The Eating Disorders Foundation of Canada was registered in 1997 as a national charitable organization with the purpose of addressing the increasing numbers of adolescents and young adults with an eating disorder.  

The onset of anorexia peaks between ages 19 and 20. Bulimia peaks from age 16 to 20. Binge eating peaks between ages 18 and 20.  These and other types of eating disorders affect an estimated 1.4 million youth in Canada – and only 25 percent receive appropriate treatment. Eating disorder prevalence is even higher than what is documented.

Eating disorders lead to life-altering chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions and osteoporosis and are associated with potentially fatal mental illnesses. Moreover, at least 50 percent of patients have a dual diagnosis with substance abuse or other addiction.  

Young adults who leave home to attend post-secondary institutions are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders.  Adolescents and young adults, aging out of pediatric care, find themselves in unfamiliar food environments, novel social situations together with less familial support and surveillance. They are also experiencing new academic stresses and changes in proximity and accessibility to healthcare services.  At the same time, our underfunded healthcare system is unable to provide the wide range of specialized treatments for a complex medical condition with co-morbid mental health issues.

To help treat young adults, when they are at their most vulnerable to developing an eating disorder, the Eating Disorders Foundation of Canada opened The Harbour in London, Ontario in November 2024.   Please view the sections of this website specially devoted to The Harbour including information on:

Facts behind the Compelling Need for Early Treatment

• Between 10% and 15% of anorexics will die in under ten years

• The estimated mortality rate in bulimia is 5%

• Females aged between 15 and 24 years are 12 times more likely to die from anorexia than from other causes combined

• Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental illnesses.  At least 50% of patients have a dual diagnosis with substance abuse or other addiction

• As eating disorders are very complicated and often exist alongside other mental health illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug and alcohol addictions, depression, anxiety, PTSD

• The true number of deaths is impossible to predict.