The Impact Of COVID On Eating Disorders

The pandemic affected pretty much every aspect of our lives, and researchers are still studying the extent of its damage. In addition to the effects on the body such as heart issues and chronic conditions, COVID severely impacted people’s mental health. Studies are beginning to show just how harmful COVID has been for those suffering with eating disorders.

A person with an eating disorder may have felt especially triggered by these disruptions, as they most likely rely on rigid routines and specific coping mechanisms to manage their condition. Gym closures, limited access to favorite foods and markets, and changed schedules led to increased stress. This meant potential relapses into harmful eating and purging behaviors.

COVID, isolation, and eating disorders

Eating disorders thrive in secrecy. The pandemic, particularly in the first half of 2020, isolated most of us. For those with eating disorders, this lack of social interactions and face-to-face support was particularly distressing. Not seeing friends and family in person can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and amplify the negative thought patterns that fuel eating disorders. The virtual world, though it does offer a legitimate form of connection, may not always provide the same level of emotional support and accountability. Those in psychological treatment for an eating disorder may have felt a dip in the level of care as sessions moved online. Even now as the world returns to normal, people still quarantine themselves when they test positive for COVID or have other health issues; the level of in-person connections hasn’t completely bounced back for everyone.

The pandemic and an uncertain world

The pervasive instability brought by the pandemic has contributed to heightened anxiety levels for much of the world. For those already grappling with eating disorders, these added stressors can intensify disordered eating behaviors. The need for control is a common underpinning of many eating disorders. In an uncontrollable world, the relationships with food, exercise, and body image can become the only ways someone feels they can regain control.

Disrupted routines during COVID

The pandemic shifted the entire world from big stuff to small stuff. It significantly disrupted daily routines, including exercise patterns, work schedules, and even access to certain foods. A person with an eating disorder may have felt especially triggered by these disruptions, as they most likely rely on rigid routines and specific coping mechanisms to manage their condition. Gym closures, limited access to favorite foods and markets, and changed schedules led to increased stress. This meant potential relapses into harmful eating and purging behaviors.

Media influence on body Image

During the pandemic, we’ve seen a surge in social media and online news consumption. While these platforms can be valuable sources of information and connection, they can also exacerbate negative body image issues. The constant stream of images and video content can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, triggering feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been shown to have negative effects on one’s body image and self-perception. For those with eating disorders, seeing videos of impossible-to-achieve bodies or posts that glorify restricted eating can contribute to their destructive behaviors.

COVID infection and inflammatory response

While many social factors affected eating disorders during the pandemic, some people have seen changes in their immune system after a COVID infection. This can mean a heightened inflammatory response, gut health issues, changes in taste and smell, and disrupted bodily functions. Studies are now linking this inflammation to the possible development of eating disorders due to changes in hunger cues and gut bacteria.

Getting help for an eating disorder

If you or someone you love suffers from an eating disorder, the time to act is now. Seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible. Together, you’ll develop a comprehensive treatment plan within your reach. This may include some combination of medication, dietary education, and psychotherapy to address the disorder’s effects on the body and mind. In therapy, you’ll learn how to understand your eating behaviors, cope with negative emotions, and process trauma.

To learn more about how eating disorder therapy can support your treatment for an eating disorder, please contact us.