New national guidelines asking that physicians begin screening adolescents for eating disorders at routine checkups is being well-received by local advocates.

The Canadian Paediatric Society released the new guidelines last month.

Paul Thomey, the executive director of the Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, says he is “happy” with the new guidelines.

Right now, he says if a person doesn’t show the typical signs of an eating disorder, family doctors may not take the time to look more deeply and ask “probing questions.” His hope is that the new guidelines will change that, leading to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.