Dialogue data shows eating disorder cases surge in the summer

New data reveals a predictable seasonal crisis driven by body image pressure, disrupted routines, and the limits of traditional care

MONTREAL, July 22 2026 - Dialogue Health Technologies Inc. (“Dialogue”), Canada's leading virtual healthcare and wellness platform, today revealed that eating disorder and nutrition counselling consultations surge 54% every summer, a pattern consistent across every province. Alongside Anorexia and Bulimia Québec (ANEB), Dialogue is raising awareness of a seasonal crisis that repeats predictably each year.

For the approximately 2.9 million Canadians living with an eating disorder, summer is one of the most difficult times of the year. Changes in routine, reduced access to school-based supports, and increased exposure to diet culture and "beach body" messaging intensify distress at precisely the moment when peer support and school-based structures have vanished. For people in recovery, these challenges may increase the risk of relapse, while for others they may be an opportunity to recognize concerns and seek support for the first time.

Eating disorders are serious and complex conditions that can have significant physical and psychological consequences if left untreated. They carry one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, estimated between 10% and 15%. Yet only 10% of those affected receive appropriate care, in part because the early signs can be subtle and are often overlooked. What may begin as skipping meals, becoming increasingly preoccupied with food or calories, or exercising more intensely can gradually become something more serious. Warning signs often include persistent concerns about food, weight, or body image, avoiding meals or social situations involving food, anxiety around eating, rigid eating or exercise routines, and withdrawing from family or friends. These changes are often associated with underlying factors such as anxiety, depression, stress, perfectionism, or other emotional challenges.

Recognizing these changes early and approaching conversations with compassion rather than judgment can make it easier for people to access support and improve recovery outcomes.

Dialogue's platform data shows the seasonal pattern clearly. Among Canadians aged 17 to 25, consultations for mental health rise 73% every summer. The trend holds across every province, with a rise of 57% in Quebec. According to ANEB estimates, nearly 300,000 people in Quebec are affected by an eating disorder. These disorders can affect people of all ages, regardless of gender, background, or sexual orientation, and the first signs can appear as early as age 4.

This reality remains particularly concerning among youth: more than 5% of high school students in Quebec are affected by an eating disorder, while 40% of boys express a desire to gain weight and 45% of girls report dissatisfaction with their body image. Young women aged 13 to 30 represent a particularly vulnerable group, with approximately 10% living with an eating disorder. The risk of developing an eating disorder is especially high between the ages of 15 and 24.

“Summer is often associated with relaxation, but for many people living with an eating disorder or distress related to their body image, this period can represent an additional challenge. Summer activities, lighter clothing, and social pressure around appearance can intensify suffering. That is why it is essential to be reminded that help resources are available and that it is never too early to ask for support,” said Lise-Andrée Massé, Registered Dietitian, Head of Education and Prevention at ANEB.

"What the data reflects is a predictable season of heightened risk, and that also means it's a season of opportunity for awareness and prevention. The underlying factors that contribute to eating disorders, including anxiety, depression, stress, and perfectionism, are things people can get support for before a difficult relationship with food becomes something more serious. Virtual care makes it easier to take that first step privately, on your own terms, before reaching a crisis point. Early support is not a luxury, it is often what prevents a much longer road," said Dr. Marc Robin, Medical Director, Dialogue.

Dialogue's mental health and nutrition professionals support members dealing with the underlying issues that can contribute to or accompany disordered eating. While Dialogue does not provide active treatment for clinical eating disorders, it bridges an important gap: members receive a full assessment, supportive care, and, where specialized eating disorder treatment is needed, a referral and navigation to the right resources, including organizations like ANEB. Dialogue's stepped-care model, recognized as a Leading Practice by Health Standards Organization (HSO), ensures members are matched to the right clinician in under five minutes. Within the first 30 days, members report a 40% improvement in mental health scores. Dialogue is also the first and only virtual care provider in Canada to receive Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada.

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About Dialogue

Dialogue is Canada’s leading virtual healthcare and wellness provider, providing timely, on-demand access to quality care. Through its team of in-house health professionals, it serves employers and organizations who prioritize the health and well-being of their employees, members and their families. Dialogue’s Integrated Health Platform is a one-stop healthcare hub that centralizes all programs in a single, user-friendly application, providing access to services 24 hours per day, 365 days per year from the convenience of a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Dialogue is the first and only virtual care provider to receive Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada, a third-party validation of the highest levels of safety, quality, and member experience. In October 2023, Sun Life acquired Dialogue, which now operates as a standalone entity as part of Sun Life Canada. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.dialogue.co.

About ANEB

Available throughout Quebec, ANEB provides the population with a range of free, confidential, and bilingual services to support people living with an eating disorder, their loved ones, and anyone concerned about their relationship with food or their body image. Whether to obtain information, a listening ear, or support, the organization offers a listening line, a text service, and support groups tailored to different needs.

For further information

Katherine Hackett, Specialist, Public Policy and Communications, katherine.hackett@dialogue.co | 819-574-3503

Media Relations for ANEB | anebquebec.com

Nicole Desmarais, Nidem Communications

nidemcommunications@videotron.ca | 514-815-5537

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or concerns about food or body image, support is available. Speak with a healthcare professional or contact your local eating disorder support organization.