Graduate Studies

Design for Health (MDes)

Nita Lakhani

Co-design of a supportive movement/dance program with Body Brave for individuals affected by eating disorders

My colleague, Sylvia Szkuklarek and I collaborated on this project and publication in the Journal of Health Design, November 2020.

“Eating disorders (EDs) are prevalent and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Community-based support services supplement treatment and provide unconventional therapy. Body Brave is a charitable ED support and treatment organization in Hamilton, Ontario, that services affected adults and caregivers. While the literature suggests that movement or dance interventions may provide physical, social and therapeutic benefits for individuals with EDs, Body Brave does not currently offer such a program. OCAD University students co-designed a prototype for a movement/dance program with Body Brave staff. The Holistic Movement Exploration program has potential to transfer to other community-based support services.”