Individuals with eating disorders are at high risk for developing Covid due to a multitude of health complications that these disorders have on the body. Examples include frailty in people with anorexia, electrolyte imbalances in people with bulimia, and cardiovascular complications in people with binge eating disorder. 

Physical risk for exacerbating symptoms

Many individuals have experienced psychological distress during Covid, and those with eating disorders may have felt uncertainty with the state of their treatment during quarantine periods. This could cause exacerbated symptoms of their eating disorders. Decreased communication with healthcare providers and other support systems may also worsen symptoms.

Psychological risk for exacerbating symptoms

A number of factors could lead to an increased risk of developing an eating disorder during Covid. Isolation may prompt more time spent on social media, exposing people to ideal body types. In addition, the trend of coping with the “quarantine 15” could cause disordered eating behaviors. Alternatively, stress caused by Covid uncertainties may impact emotional eating behaviors.

Risk of developing an ED

1. Reduced connection during isolation	
2. The need to prioritize others’ problems over one’s own
3. Difficulties receiving professional care

Concerns from ED patients and their caregivers

1. Physical risk for exacerbating symptoms
2. Psychological risk for exacerbating symptoms
3. Risk of developing an ED
4. Concerns from ED patients and their caregivers

University of California, Berkeley

Covid has brought on many challenges for people globally. Individuals with eating disorders, in particular, are at risk for increasing severity of their symptoms. In addition, people may also be at higher risk for developing eating disorders.

Covid’s Impact on Rates of Eating Disorders

Fernández-Aranda, F., Casas, M., Claes, L., Bryan, D.C., Favaro, A., Granero, R., Gudiol, C., Jiménez-Murcia, S., Karwautz, A., Le Grange, D., Menchón, J.M., Tchanturia, K. and Treasure, J. (2020), COVID-19 and implications for eating disorders. Eur Eat Disorders Rev, 28: 239-245. https://doi-org.libproxy.berkeley.edu/10.1002/erv.2738

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