Latest news with #eatingdisorders
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Weight loss medications like Ozempic linked to eating disorders in boys and men: study
Prescription weight loss medication use has been linked to significantly higher rates of eating disorders in adolescent boys and men, according to a new study. Led by Kyle Ganson, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto's faculty of social work, the study focuses on an often overlooked population and raises new concerns about the use of high-profile medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. 'While these medications are typically prescribed for diabetes or obesity, their off-label use for weight loss has become popular,' Ganson said in a news release from the University of Toronto. 'Our findings underscore potential psychological implications for young men.' The study analyzed survey data from 1,543 boys and men from Canada and the U.S. who were between the ages of 15 and 35. While only 1.2 per cent of the sample reported using prescription weight loss medication in the past 12 months, they were much more likely to report eating disorder attitudes and behaviours than others, such as loss of control while eating (63.2 per cent versus 36.2 per cent), binge eating (63.2 per cent versus 34.1 per cent) and purging via vomiting (15.8 per cent versus 5.6 per cent). The study also found that boys and men who used the medication were typically older, had a higher body mass index, and were more likely to identify as not being white or heterosexual. 'Boys and men are frequently left out of the conversation about eating disorders and body image pressures, but this study makes clear that they are not immune to the risks,' Ganson said. The study was published earlier this month in the journal Eating Behaviors. 'There is a greater need to describe the prevalence of use among understudied populations, as well as identify associations with eating disorder attitudes and behaviours,' the study explained. 'Health and mental health care professionals should be cognizant of the associations found in this study to ensure proper eating disorder assessment and intervention are provided to individuals, including boys and men, who use prescription weight loss medication.'
South China Morning Post
09-07-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Eating disorders almost destroyed 28kg Hongkonger. How she beat them and now thrives
Hongkonger Miley Millamena is in a good place. The 24-year-old recently landed a dream job as a bartender at Penicillin, in Hong Kong's Central neighbourhood, and she gets to unleash her creativity as a freelance make-up artist and part-time model. Advertisement But life was not always so rosy for Millamena, who struggled with depression and eating disorders in her teenage years. She hit rock bottom in 2019 when, aged 18 and weighing just 28kg (62lb), she held a knife to her throat in the kitchen of her parents' home. Her father intervened, and Millamena was hospitalised for a year after her suicide attempt. Today, at a coffee shop in Central, Millamena can talk candidly about her battle with anorexia nervosa – a condition that causes people to obsess about their weight and food – and bulimia , which is characterised by binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or fasting to prevent weight gain. Millamena pictured in 2018. In her teenage years, she struggled with depression and eating disorders. Photo: courtesy of Miley Millamena By sharing her story, Millamena hopes to destigmatise eating disorders and raise awareness about their grave impact. Advertisement She says they are not taken seriously in Hong Kong, and the fact that the city lacks official statistics on eating disorders strengthens her claim.
South China Morning Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Eating disorders almost destroyed 28kg Hongkonger. How she beat them and now thrives
Hongkonger Miley Millamena is in a good place. The 24-year-old recently landed a dream job as a bartender at Penicillin, in Hong Kong's Central neighbourhood, and she gets to unleash her creativity as a freelance make-up artist and part-time model. Advertisement But life was not always so rosy for Millamena, who struggled with depression and eating disorders in her teenage years. She hit rock bottom in 2019 when, aged 18 and weighing just 28kg (62lb), she held a knife to her throat in the kitchen of her parents' home. Her father intervened, and Millamena was hospitalised for a year after her suicide attempt. Today, at a coffee shop in Central, Millamena can talk candidly about her battle with anorexia nervosa – a condition that causes people to obsess about their weight and food – and bulimia , which is characterised by binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or fasting to prevent weight gain. Millamena pictured in 2018. In her teenage years, she struggled with depression and eating disorders. Photo: courtesy of Miley Millamena By sharing her story, Millamena hopes to destigmatise eating disorders and raise awareness about their grave impact. Advertisement She says they are not taken seriously in Hong Kong, and the fact that the city lacks official statistics on eating disorders strengthens her claim.
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Eating Disorders Can Relapse in the Summer
Vancouver Watch Lisa Brooks and Margaret Noel from the Looking Glass Foundation speak with Keri Adams on CTV Morning Live about eating disorders and available resources.
CTV News
07-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Looking Glass Foundation's 50/50 Summer Raffle
Win big while giving back! Join Looking Glass Foundation's 50/50 Summer Raffle for your chance to take home half the jackpot—while helping individuals across B.C. access life-saving support for eating disorder recovery. Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders provides accessible, innovative programs to support people at every stage of their recovery journey. With help, there is hope. 🎟️ Ticket bundles: • 5 for $25 • 15 for $50 • 50 for $100 Buy your tickets today! The draw takes place on July 23, 2025, at our raffle partnership fundraiser, Be Kind to Your Mind. You do not have to be present to win. You must be 19+ and a B.C. resident to enter. Interested in attending Be Kind to Your Mind? This event is more than just a summer evening out — it's a celebration of connection, community care, and collective impact. We would love to see you there. You can purchase your tickets here. All ticket purchases help create real change. Thank you for supporting Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders.
