Embody
EmbodyBC equips BC parents and professionals with evidence-based resources to identify and support young people before they develop an eating disorder. Embody is a provincial program of Family Services of the North Shore, and one of the six BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information.
Our Program
EmbodyBC provides tools, resources and education to address disordered eating, body image, mental health, weight stigma, and self-compassion for children and youth of all ages. We create original content, based on current research, and feature stories from people who’ve been there. We can also help you find more support, if you need it.
We invite schools and community organizations throughout British Columbia to host their own awareness events and activities to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Our Story
In 2004, Jessie’s Legacy Eating Disorders Prevention program was launched to honour Jessie Alexander – a young North Shore woman who died of complications from a longstanding eating disorder. It was Jessie’s hope to help others suffering from disordered eating and depression. While Jessie was never able to realize her dream, her legacy continues to inspire us, each and every day.
This program is dedicated to Jessie Alexander, who inspires us to practice daily kindness – both to ourselves and to others. Known for her warm smile, easy laugh, and unwavering compassion, this is her legacy of love.
Thousands of children and youth across BC continue to battle clinical eating disorders and disordered eating, often fuelled by diet culture and unrealistic beauty standards: 58% of Canadian grade 9 and 10 girls are trying to lose weight, including 50% of those who are “normal” weight. (Canadian Journal of Public Health).
In 2024, we re-launched as EmbodyBC to reflect a renewed focus on prevention. The earlier we can help children to feel at home in their bodies, the less likely they are to develop more serious eating or self-esteem issues. We equip parents, caregivers, and professionals with trusted information to support kids before they develop an eating disorder.
Our world often presents a narrow view of the “ideal” body. Embody invites us to be exactly who we are; to find comfort in our skin and approach our bodies with neutral curiosity.
Partnerships
Embody is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp, a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. We’re a group of six leading mental health and substance use non-profit agencies. Since 2003, we’ve been working together to help people live well and better prevent and manage mental health and substance use problems. To learn more about the BC Partners and EmbodyBC, please read our latest Impact Report.
The BC Partners include:
- EmbodyBC
- BC Schizophrenia Society
- Canadian Mental Health Association British Columbia
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research
- FamilySmart
- Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia (a branch of Lookout Housing and Health Society)
The BC Partners are funded by BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services – an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. EmbodyBC is funded in part by the Provincial Health Services Authority.
For more information, visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca
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Understanding Disordered Eating: Supporting our Youth
Eating disorders affect over 2.7 million Canadians, including 1.4 million youth. An additional 2 to 4 million Canadians struggle with disordered eating and body image issues. Youth are at higher risk due to factors such as adolescent developmental changes, social media influence, peer pressure, and mental health challenges. The 2023 BC Adolescent Health Survey shows a rise in unhealthy eating behaviours among all youth.
Recent data reveals a threefold increase in youth with severe eating disorders requiring hospitalization, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention, and de-stigmatization (The State of Mental Health, CMHA, 2024). Eating disorders are more prevalent than documented, with between 600,000 and 990,000 Canadians fitting diagnostic criteria at any given time.
Early intervention is crucial. Identifying problems early and seeking timely support improves recovery chances. Education and awareness help parents and caregivers recognize disordered eating and advocate for comprehensive support.
“For these reasons, we need to get serious about prevention efforts, and this work begins at home,” says Carmen Kaufmann, Manager of Embody. “Encouraging critical thinking and challenging diet culture helps youth feel good about their bodies. Parents and caregivers must also reflect on how diet culture influences them.”
Diet culture, which promotes unrealistic body standards and equates thinness and/or muscularity with health and worth, significantly impacts all youth. It fosters negative body image and unhealthy eating behaviours. By challenging these harmful messages and promoting body diversity, we can help prevent eating disorders and support youth in developing healthy self-esteem and a positive body image.
EmbodyBC provides trusted resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and health professionals across British Columbia. We also lead the annual Provincial Eating Disorder Awareness (PEDAW) campaign, held February 1–7, to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help. In addition, communities are encouraged to hold their own awareness events during PEDAW. Visit EmbodyBC.com for more information and to order and download our free resources.
Join us in raising awareness to support and protect the mental health of BC youth.
Contact: Carmen Kaufmann, Senior Program Manager, EmbodyBC email: embody@familyservices.bc.ca , phone: (604) 778-686-6738, website: www.embodybc.com.
Learn more about EmbodyBC
EmbodyBC Website
I’M HERE FOR: MY CHILD
It’s not easy to raise children who feel at home in their bodies.
If your child has started dieting, focusing on their weight, or criticizing their body, it can be hard to know what to do. EmbodyBC has trusted resources to help you support your child and encourage a healthy body image.
I’M HERE FOR: MY STUDENTS OR MY CLIENTS
Teachers, dietitians, therapists, and other supportive adults can help young people to develop a positive body image and a healthier relationship with food. EmbodyBC has evidence-based resources to build your confidence, so you can support kids of all ages.
Provincial Eating Disorders Awareness (PEDAW) campaign runs every year from February 1–7. This annual, province-wide effort raises awareness around eating disorders – including prevention, early intervention, and treatment – and explores media literacy, a healthier body image, self-compassion, resiliency, and more. We invite schools and community organizations throughout British Columbia to host their own awareness events and activities.
I’M HERE FOR: MYSELF
Life can be overwhelming sometimes. If you’re struggling with eating, exercise, mental health, or body image, you’re not alone. EmbodyBC has trusted resources and supports that can help you during hard times.
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