Researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada observed a rise in eating disorder (ED) cases during the coronavirus pandemic. Hospitalization rates among teenagers with ED also climbed, increasing by 54 percent due to prolonged self-isolation. This finding was reported by EurekAlert.
Eating disorders are a group of behavioral health conditions marked by abnormal or disturbed eating patterns that affect physical and emotional well-being. The spectrum includes anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, selective eating disorders, and psychogenic binge eating disorder.
In their study, the team analyzed health records from residents of Ontario aged 10 to 105 years, comparing data from the pre-pandemic period (January 1, 2017, to February 29, 2020) with the pandemic period (March 1, 2020, to August 31, 2022). The analysis revealed a notable uptick in ED cases among young people as the pandemic progressed. By roughly 30 months into the pandemic, the prevalence among adolescents reached about seven cases per 100,000 peers who were otherwise healthy. This trend underscores how public health crises can influence mental health and eating behaviors across age groups.
Hospitalization rates for EDs rose among both adolescents and adults, with teenagers showing a marked 54 percent increase. While the rise appeared smaller in adults, there was a visible uptick in help-seeking among middle-aged individuals compared with pre-pandemic levels. These patterns suggest broad effects of isolation, disrupted routines, and stress on eating-related disorders across the population.
The authors note that factors such as sustained social media exposure, limitations on gym access, and heightened anxiety during lockdowns likely contributed to the growth in ED cases. They emphasize the need for continued investment in ED prevention and treatment programs that serve both adolescents and adults, and call for ongoing research to understand long-term outcomes and effective interventions. [Citation: EurekAlert]
Overall, the findings point to a substantial impact of the pandemic on eating disorders, highlighting the importance of accessible care, early identification, and integrated support services for young people and adults alike. Health systems may benefit from expanding telehealth options, school-based screening, and community outreach to address rising ED rates in both Canada and broader North America.