Eating Disorders and Covid-19
More than 30 million people in the U.S. suffer from eating disorders.
COVID-19 can be a nightmare for thembecause of the following triggers:
- Empty grocery shelves
- Feelings of uncertainty and loss of control
- Social media messages about avoiding the “Quarantine 15” pound weight gain are especially harmful to those with existing eating disorders.
A recent study conducted by the International Journal for Eating Disorders found that symptoms worsened across the board for people with anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorders nationwide since the lockdowns in March. Among respondents, 62% of people with anorexia have experienced more severe restriction and food fear during the pandemic, while 30% of those with bulimia and binge-eating disorder reported experiencing more binge-eating episodes, and a greater urge to binge.
Some of the facts about eating disorders are sobering:
- 9% of the US population will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime
- Almost 1% of us suffer from anorexia nervosa
- Between 2-3% of us have bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is experienced by between 2-3% of us
- 10% of those with eating disorders lose their lives as a result
- Eating disorders are second only to opioid overdose as the deadliest mental illnesses
- About 26% of people with eating disorders attempt suicide
Eating Recovery Center is the nation’s largest eating disorder treatment center (with offices around the country, & virtual treatment options). Eating Recovery Center provides comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other unspecified eating disorders.
