Social media driving teen disordered eating: SFU study

Concerning new research out of Simon Fraser University has found one in four B.C. teens have experienced disordered eating or body-image issues—and there’s a ma

Concerning new research out of Simon Fraser University has found 23 per cent of teens surveyed have experienced disordered eating or body image issues.

And social media use appears to be driving the increase in those harmful outcomes, according to the study published in The Journal of Adolescent Health.

Videos on social media feeds often promise major weight loss through supplements, exercises or diets – often over incredibly short timelines – creating unrealistic expectations for many young people who are still developing physically and intellectually.

“Almost one in four young people surveyed across the province of British Columbia had experienced signs of disordered eating,” said senior study author and Simon Fraser University Health Sciences associate professor Hasina Samji during an interview with CTV News.

“That’s a very high proportion of young people … One of our other key findings was that the more social media consumed, the higher their risk of having signs of disordered eating.”

Those who support those dealing with eating disorders have already been seeing the connection, and say the spike began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people were isolated and turned to apps and devices for connection.

Among those organizations is the Looking Glass Foundation, a Vancouver-based charity.

“Social media by itself doesn’t cause eating disorders, but it really intensifies any existing vulnerability that someone’s experiencing,” Looking Glass Foundation executive director Lisa Brooks told CTV News.

“Especially for teens who are questioning their changing bodies, their identities, their sense of self.”

The study found certain groups were at higher risk.

“More than 40 per cent of young people who were gender diverse or identified as sexual minorities experienced signs of disordered eating, compared to about nine per cent of boys who identified as straight,” said Samji.

The research is being shared during this Christmas and holiday season – when eating is often central – which can be a stressful time for those dealing with body image issues.

“Try to stay away from any body-based comments,” suggested Brooks. “Even compliments can be triggering for someone. If you say, ‘Oh wow, you look so good, you’ve lost weight,’ for someone with an eating disorder, that can actually encourage them to lean into those behaviours.”

As for potential solutions, beyond individual families making decisions around device or app use, Samji says we should watch to see how Australia’s social media ban for those under 16 plays out.