Support for West Asian and North African (Middle Eastern) community members

Note: The term “Middle Eastern” is a British colonial invention from the 1850s. Using the title “West Asian and North African” locates the region in the continent and acts as a form of decolonization.

"Historically, clinicians and researchers thought that eating disorders only affected white, middle/upper-class girls and women. We know that they actually had a very limited understanding; there is a lot of evidence that proves that individuals of diverse backgrounds, including West Asian and North African, experience eating disorders and disordered eating. And, everyone in Canada deserves access to culturally-sensitive information about signs, symptoms, potential causes, and getting help."

Download the full resource here.

Consultant-content writer:  Alexandra Hanania

Consultant-reviewer:  Cristel Moubarak

Reviewers:  Dina Buttu
_{Edited by the NEDIC team, published 2023}

Additional resources and support for West Asian and North African community members

NEDIC resources:

• A Guide to Discussing Your Concerns with Your Primary Care Provider
• Guide for Family (also available in Arabic)
• Guide for Friends
• Myths About Health At Every Size
• Tips for Choosing Professional Help
• A Parents’ and Caregivers’ Guide to Supporting Youth with Eating Disorders
• Coping Strategies for Families and Partners of an Individual Living with an Eating Disorder
• Let's Talk About Culturally-Sensitive Eating Disorder Care: Supporting the Healing of Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Clients
  
  
  

Holiday-specific resources:

• Coping with the Holidays, by Sheena’s Place: https://sheenasplace.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Coping-with-the-Holidays-updated-Nov-2019.pdf
• Ramadan and Eating Disorders, by Body Brave and Muslims with Eating Disorders®: https://www.instagram.com/p/CcVw99qJaOb/
  
  
  

Mental health support:

• Text4Amal (free supportive texting program for the Arab community in Canada):  https://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/text4amal
  
  
  

Health care support for newcomers:

Ontario (Toronto)

• The Centre for Refugee and Immigrant HealthCare: https://www.healthequity.ca/
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