'Thin' highlights the problem of eating disorders

The plight of four such women is the subject of the Douglas' next Frames of Mind documentary, Thin. The film, directed by Lauren Greenfield, chronicles the intense emotional journey through which people with eating disorders travel. The director of the Douglas' Eating Program, Howard Steiger, PhD, will host the evening and answer any questions.

Anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorders are the most common manifestations of this disease. While eating disorders affect girls and women more than boys and men, men still represent about 10 percent of individuals with eating disorders. In Quebec, approximately 3 percent of women, between 13 and 30 (i.e. 30,000 people) are affected by an eating disorder.

"Improved awareness of eating disorders leads to better treatment and prevention efforts, and helps people in need seek help without shame," continues the doctor and researcher.

Thin will screen at Douglas Hall, Douglas Hospital (6875 LaSalle Blvd, Verdun) on Wednesday, May 16, at 7 p.m. Admission is free to everyone.

The Douglas Eating Disorders Program is the only kind of its kind in Quebec. Its care unit, day hospital and day centre serve adults 18 year of age and older. The Douglas also offers various programs for youth with eating disorders. Every day, through various research studies, Eating Disorders Program researchers help to increase an understanding of eating disorders in order to determine causes and find treatments.