A Pandemic of Eating Disorders
The outbreak of COVID-19 brought new stressors into the lives of adolescents. The adverse effects of the pandemic go beyond the physical symptoms of the virus; isolation from friends and family, worries over loved ones’ safety, and disruption in educational pursuits created an ever-changing atmosphere of anxiety. One concerning development in the COVID-19 era is the dramatic rise of hospitalizations related to eating disorders.
By: Georgia Fair
Monthly counts of ED-related admissions to Michigan Medicine, patients aged 10–23, from March 2017 to March 2021. The red dashed line indicates the onset of COVID-19. Published in Pediatrics, October 2021.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-052201
“We have seen roughly a 30% to 40% increase in referrals to our clinic alone,” Dr. Christine Peat, from the Center for Excellence in Eating Disorders at UNC in Chapel Hill, speaking to MedPage Today in March 2021.
The Center for Excellence is one of many clinics across the U.S. experiencing an influx of patients with newly diagnosed diet-related disorders following the spread of COVID-19 in early 2020; doctors from the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor tell a similar story. A study published last month (October 2021) in the medical journal Pediatrics titled “Medical Admissions Among Adolescents With Eating Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic” found that the number of patients aged 10–23 admitted to Michigan Medicine for eating disorders had doubled in 2020 compared to their 2018/2019 averages, with teenage females accounting for the most significant increase in hospital admissions.
One explanation for the ‘outbreak’ of eating disorders may be an increase in social media usage. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, social media usage increased across all age groups, especially in teens and young adults. As in-person interactions were replaced with digital alternatives, close to 50% of millennials and Gen Z reported spending more time on social media platforms than in 2020 than the prior year.
Survey of social media usage following the COVID-19 outbreak, collected in May 2020. Published in GlobalWebIndex’s 2020 flagship report.
Source: https://www.gwi.com/reports/social-2020
While these platforms provide a medium for young people to connect (especially in a time of isolation), social media can exacerbate or introduce unhealthy behaviors in those struggling with body image issues. Online platforms provide an easily accessible, constant feed of content, often with highly idealized depictions of the lives of peers and “influencers.” Before, a passing billboard or glance down the magazine aisle might have introduced self-comparisons and feelings of inadequacy to vulnerable adolescents. Today, teens may be exposed to triggering content and susceptible to peer influence, all while isolated in their own homes.
It is important to remember that eating disorders are complex and develop from multiple factors; there is hardly one causal link. Nonetheless, these recent developments are a reminder to be mindful of time spent on devices for family and friends of at-risk children and adults. Be wary of any recent changes in diet, unhealthy behaviors, or potential triggers, and contact a professional for any concerns.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating behaviors and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer high-quality programming, nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support, a Body Image Group, and various other groups and resources to help those seeking help for food concerns.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Social Work Intern, Georgia Fair (she/her).
Georgia is a Social Work Intern and graduate student at Columbia University where she is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work. She completed her undergraduate education at Baylor University, majoring in Social Work. Georgia enjoys music and is passionate about mental health. After completing her internship, Georgia plans to work as a clinical social worker for adolescents and adults concentrating on creative approaches to therapy.
References
MedPage Today – Web Article [https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/91483]
Pediatrics – Web Article/Academic Paper (Pg. 4) [https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-052201]
GlobalWebIndex – Website [https://www.gwi.com/reports/social-2020], PDF (Pg. 13) [https://amai.org/covid19/descargas/SocialGlobalWebIndex.pdf]