The COVID-19 Pandemic and Eating Disorders
How did the global pandemic lead to an increase in eating disorders?
The rise of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic tied with global lockdown was a recipe for eating disorder behaviors contaminating the brains of society. The isolation of people, increased media exposure, and the fear of the coronavirus led to an increase in eating disorders worldwide.
The impact of increased social media exposure during the lockdown
In the year 2020, the use of social media skyrocketed by a whopping 30% (Kemp 2020). The unhealthy exposure to social media leads to resurfacing eating disorder symptoms, as well as self-criticism and comparison to unrealistic and unsustainable disordered eating patterns (Della Volpe 2022).
The impact of social media and new trends to get in shape and try new diets was a toxic form of promoting eating disorders for a seemingly “healthy lifestyle”; ultimately having the opposite effect by promoting unsustainable and unrealistic lifestyles.
Limitations of physical activity and social interactions
Whether it was going to the gym, participating in sports, or even walking to school, many were obliged to let go of their usual forms of physical activity during the lockdown. As a result, “...the mental and physical effects of these disruptions triggered or worsened disordered eating behaviors…” (Della Volpe 2022). Physical activity limitations could lead to compensation by overexercising or extreme dieting to stay “in shape”.
Additionally, the lack of social interactions as a result of the quarantine, leads to the declining mental health of teenagers worldwide, leading to a rise in mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders (Frontiers 2020).
Fear of COVID and its impact on health
The coronavirus epidemic was terrifying for the general public. As a result, millions of people took physical measures to try and improve their physical health to prevent being diagnosed with the virus. By altering normal diet and exercise routines, many people fell under another illness instead: an eating disorder.
As shown above, COVID-19 had a great impact on the dieting and exercise habit of the entire population
How People combatted eating Disorders during the Pandemic
Fortunately, numerous support groups and online specialists came together through online platforms to provide assistance for those struggling with an eating disorder during isolation.
Although dealing with the isolation of the pandemic tied with eating disorder symptoms, some communities found the light at the end of the tunnel and made the best out of their situations.
You are not alone
If you feel that you, or a loved one, are struggling with an eating disorder, please consult a professional or visit the sites below. Asking for help is not easy, but you are not alone, making that first will help you so much in the long run. Happiness and health are worth much more than societal standards.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-treatment-and-recovery.htm
Works Cited
Rodgers, Rachel F., et al. “The Impact of the COVID ‐19 Pandemic on Eating
Disorder Risk and Symptoms.” International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol.
53, no. 7, Wiley, June 2020, pp. 1166–70, doi:10.1002/eat.23318.
Della Volpe, Kristin. “A Perfect Storm: Rise in Eating Disorders Among Teens During
COVID-19.” Clinical Advisor, Aug. 2022,
www.clinicaladvisor.com/home/topics/pediatrics-information-center/a-
perfect-storm-rise-in-eating-disorders-among-teens-during-covid-19.
Kemp, Simon. “More Than Half of the People on Earth Now Use Social Media —
DataReportal – Global Digital Insights.” DataReportal – Global Digital Insights,
Feb. 2021, datareportal.com/reports/more-than-half-the-world-now-uses-
social-media.
Swinburne News Team. “Investigating the Effects of COVID-19 on Eating and
Exercise Behaviours.” Swinburne, 10 Sept. 2020,
www.swinburne.edu.au/news/2020/06/investigating-the-effects-of-covid-19-
on-eating-and-exercise-behaviours.
Dagnino, Paula, et al. “Psychological Effects of Social Isolation Due to Quarantine in
Chile: An Exploratory Study.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 11, Frontiers Media,
Nov. 2020, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.591142.
