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significant number (10%) of women with an ED will die from complications. Accessing help is,however, particularly difficult for those living in rural areas and provinces including AtlanticCanada given the current healthcare climate of fiscal restraint and limited resources. Theresulting lengthy waiting times and lack of varied treatment options, when combined withprevailing public stigmatization toward those with EDs, impede help-seeking and treatmentsuccess. Although the dissatisfaction with treatment services on the part of those seeking help iswell documented in the professional literature, the voices of those who provide ED care andservices are largely silent. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the perceptions andknowledge of Atlantic Canadian allied health professionals who care for clients with ED.Analysis of qualitative semi-structured interviews with social workers, dietitians, personaltrainers, and others revealed their overall sense of feeling unprepared in decision-making. Theanalysis presented important sub-themes including isolation, lack of both experience andemployer support to gain practical educational experiences, and limited evidence-based practiceguidelines. The findings that provide insight into the needs of healthcare providers are useful toenhance existing and develop treatment and prevention initiatives.Overweight and Mental Health in Children and AdolescentsCornelia Thiels, University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld (cornelia.thiels@fh-bielefeld.de)Aim: To study associations between BMI, socio-demographic variables and mental problems inyoungsters.Method: 1057 pupils aged 10 to 17 years completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR) and the EatingDisorder Inventory for children (EDI-C). At least one parent of 874 of these pupils completed theChild Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Anorectic Behaviour Observation Scale (ABOS).Teachers completed the Teacher Report Form (TRF).Results: BMI-defined underweight, normal weight and overweight groups did not differ in SES,age or gender. The CBCL, TRF and YSR mean scores for overweight subjects were significantlyhigher than for underweight pupils. The lowest CBCL, YSR and TRF mean scores were foundfor participants with a normal BMI. EDI-C total scores above the >90th percentile were found in13.8% or 18.6% of overweight pupils. The same was true for 5.1% or 8.4% of normal weight and3.6% or 5.3% of underweight participants. ABOS total scores above the >90th percentile werefound in 16.0% or 17.6% of overweight and obese pupils. The same was true for 8.5% or 6.9%of normal weight and 14.3% or 15.8% of underweight youngsters.Conclusions: Overweight prevention policies are necessary because of the physical but also themental risks.How Law and Public Policy Can Impact the Childhood Obesity Epidemic in theUnited States131