Adele Fox, a 37-year-old resident of Priddis, isn’t used to her newfound fame.
A clinical psychologist, she kept busy maintaining a private practice for couples and individuals, with a specialty in eating disorders.
But her life changed when she was contacted by television production company Force Four Entertainment, which asked her to be part of a team of weight-loss experts in an upcoming CBC documentary-style series Village on a Diet.
“I believe they researched…looking for psychologists across the country who had the expertise,” said Fox. “This was a really good opportunity to get the message out, especially about psychology and weight loss.”
Filming for the series, which premiered Jan. 3 on CBC, began in May.
“It has been a bit of a learning curve to understand television production and how it works,” said Fox. “(I had to) learn how to be as effective as I can in a short period of time.”
Fox is hoping the show will inspire residents across the country to become more active and learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The series is part of a six-month CBC’s initiative, Live Right Now, which launched Jan. 1 in the hopes of inspiring healthy lifestyles in Canadians.
When it comes to health, the need for a societal change has never been clearer.
According to the Childhood Obesity Foundation, obesity rates in children have almost tripled in the last 25 years. About 26 per cent of Canadian children ages two to 17 are currently overweight or obese. Fifty-nine per cent of adults in this country are in the overweight or obese category.
Taylor B.C., located 14 km south of Fort. St. John, is a typical rural town with a population of about 1,300, of which more than 60 per cent are considered overweight or obese. Their challenge was to collectively lose a ton of weight in three months.
According to Fox, Village on a Diet is unlike other reality shows that have become popular in recent years.
“It’s not The Biggest Loser,” said Fox. “It is about making changes that are manageable. I think people will find it really relates to their own life.”
Fox’s role in the show was to help residents understand the psychological issues behind their weight problems.
“Without retraining the brain, it makes it more difficult to maintain the weight loss,” said Fox. “Will power will only take you so far.”
Fox began her career as an occupational therapist working at the Eating Disorders Clinic at the Toronto General Hospital. Working with the patients spurred her to become a psychologist. Since 1998, she has been helping clients with disordered eating conditions, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.
Fox said many emotional and mental issues, including anxiety, depression and shame can affect weight loss, and should be dealt with before trying to lose weight.
“I decided to focus more on mental health, rather than physical,” said Fox. “Your brain is the control panel...it runs everything, so why not go directly to the source.”
The Calgary-based psychologist has also been interviewed for Canadian Living magazine articles and has learned to share her message via social networking such as Facebook and Twitter. She hopes to expand her reach through online videos and seminars.
“I was really proud of the Taylor residents that had the courage to talk to me,” said Fox. “I am always touched by the courage, every time a client walks through the door.”
The 10-part CBC series airs on Mondays at 9 p.m. For more information about Fox or her practice, visit www.myndcare.com
