McMaster expert researches alarming spike in pandemic-related eating disorders in kids

McMaster University has received federal funding to investigate an alarming spike in pandemic-related eating disorders in children.

Paediatric expert Jennifer Couturier said referrals have doubled and hospitalizations have tripled for eating disorders across Canada throughout the pandemic.

Couturier will receive a few hundred thousand dollars for the project as part of a federal funding investment of $13 million into pandemic research.

She is the director of the eating disorders program at McMaster that helps more than 200 kids.

CHCH News reporter Sylvie Lendvay did an exclusive interview with Couturier to discuss the project and how the funding can help.