How the pandemic caused a rise in eating disorders in teens

Written by CCTC Staff Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the mental health of teenagers across the globe. One of the most commonly reported issues seen is eating disorders. With so many factors affecting the daily lives of teens, it is no surprise that coping with the disruptions caused by coronavirus resulted in an increase in disordered eating behaviors. 

In this blog post, we will discuss:

• Evidence of an increase in eating disorders in teenagers 

• What contributed to the development of disordered eating habits 

• Signs of struggling with an eating disorder

• What to do to seek support for yourself or loved one 
  

How do we know that there was a rise in the occurrence of eating disorders? 

The National Eating Disorder Association reported more than a 53 percent increase in call volume to its helpline since the start of the pandemic. Just over a third of those patients are ages 13 to 17, and about 36 percent are 18 to 24 years old. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, too, has seen a 50 percent jump in calls from teens and their parents since the pandemic began. 

While it is a positive sign that some were able to identify they are struggling and reached out for help, we know that many struggle in silence when it comes to eating disorders. 

In addition to these organization reports, according to an analysis of medical record data from 80 hospitals across the nation, there has been a 25% increase in the number of adolescent eating disorder patients since March 2020 when the impact of coronavirus took hold of America.  The proportion of ER visits related to eating disorders doubled among adolescent females.

Additionally, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that pediatric emergency room visits due to mental health conditions skyrocketed during the pandemic. The proportion of mental health visits among kids ages 5 to 11 increased by 24 percent from March to October 2020 and by 31 percent among adolescents ages 12 to 17.

What factors may have contributed to the development of eating disorders in teens? 

While every person's experience with an eating disorder is different and the factors that contribute may differ, there may be a few common experiences due to COVID. The list below are just some of the potential factors that may have contributed to an increase in eating disorders during the pandemic, but it is important to remember that everyone experiences and deals with things differently.

1) Isolation

COVID-19 caused many teens and adolescents to begin attending school from home or adapt to a hybrid schedule. Many may have felt a new sense of loneliness and isolation that they have not experienced previously. It is not uncommon for eating disorder behaviors to emerge as a way to deal and cope with negative emotions. Teens that may have had a predisposition for developing an eating disorder, may have been triggered by this sudden shift. 

2) Lack of routine 

The pandemic caused a disruption to normal routines. Students that were used to a busy schedule of school, extracurriculars such as clubs, sports teams, or performing, may have felt that their day suddenly lost a sense of structure.  This lack of routine can lead to feeling out of control, and again, some may turn to eating disorder behaviors as a way to cope. 

3) Uncertainty 

The pandemic caused a sense of uncertainty for many  people. Teens may have been worried about their health, the health of their loved ones, or the state of the world in general. This worry and stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as disordered eating or focusing more on body image concerns. 

4) Family issues 

Being stuck at home and being around family may have been a positive for many, but for some living in a dysfunctional home, this could have been triggering.  For some, being around family members that are struggling with their own mental health conditions, including eating disorders, may have been a trigger. Family dynamics can contribute to the development of an eating disorder because tension, stress, and trauma can lead a person to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. 

5) Increased responsibility 

In some families the pandemic may have forced families to experience unexpected financial hardships.  This may have led to increased responsibility on the teen, such as having to get a job or help care for younger siblings. The added responsibility can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress, which again, may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like an eating disorder. 

6) Changes to amount of exercise and movement

For teens and adolescents that were previously active through sports or other activities, the sudden decrease in structured movement may have caused anxiety around eating and body image. There may have been a desire to try to stay active by incorporating new routines, but with other extenuating circumstances this could potentially develop into a disordered habit. 

7) Increase of time spent on social media 

Social media can be triggering for those with disordered eating issues and body image concerns because  it can be a constant stream of images and messages that reinforce unhealthy perspectives and perpetuate the idea that there is one ideal body type.  

8) Toxic messages about weight and dieting

There was an unhealthy focus on preventing weight gain or changes in one's body appearance during the pandemic . This may have come from celebrities, the media, or even friends and family members. For someone with a predisposition for an eating disorder, this toxic message about weight and dieting can be triggering to begin focusing on their own body, weight and food. 

9) Food insecurity 

With increased financial hardship, many families experienced food insecurity during the pandemic. Food insecurity can contribute to the development of an eating disorder because it can lead to a preoccupation with food and weight. Worrying about where the next meal is coming from or not having enough money to buy food can trigger unhealthy behaviors. 

Signs of struggling with an eating disorder

It can be hard to identify when you or your loved one are struggling with an eating disorder. By nature, eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors tend to thrive in secrecy and isolation. Many hide their behaviors to avoid concern from loved ones and to avoid the shame they may feel about the binging, purging, restricting or other disordered behaviors they are engaging in. 

If you are concerned that you may be struggling or your teen may be developing an eating disorder, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for: 

- Preoccupation with food, weight, and body image

- Avoidance of mealtimes or particular foods

- Changes in eating habits or patterns

- Excessive exercise 

- Secretive behavior around food

- Changes in mood or behavior

- Withdrawn from friends and family 

What you can do to help your teen struggling with an eating disorder 

If you have any concerns about your own or your loved ones behaviors, addressing it as soon as possible is the best plan of action. Seeking support to address anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or any disordered eating issues is the best way to begin healing and the process of recovery. 

Related: Early Intervention in Eating Disorders: You Are "Sick Enough" Now

Bringing up any mental health conditions, especially eating disorders, can feel intimidating. In some cases, when you express concern with a loved one struggling you may be met with denial and anger. It is important to remember that pushing or arguing does not help either you or your loved one get any closer to making the best next step to address these behaviors. Remaining calm, addressing your concerns without accusation, and reminding them that you are there to help them is your best way to begin the dialogue. 

You can seek professional help by meeting with your child's pediatrician to discuss your concerns or seek a therapist and/or dietitian that specializes in eating disorders and disordered eating. Treatment for an eating disorder can help a teen build new ways to cope with things in a healthy way and reestablish a positive relationship with food and themselves. 

If you're concerned about your teen struggling with an eating disorder and are ready to discuss what treatment options are available, reach out to us today to learn more about our holistic eating disorder treatment programs.