Containment, isolation, disruption of routines… The restrictive measures linked to the pandemic favor the development of eating disorders. A subject that must mobilize.
While eating disorders have been on the rise for a few years now, the pandemic has caused them to explode. According to American Association of Eating Disorders (National Eating Disorders Association), there was a 41% increase in calls to its helplines between January 2020 and January 2021. In France too, the “Anorexia Boulimie Info” telephone line saw the number of calls to increase by 30% in 2020. It is urgent to lift the taboo around eating disorders (ADD).
With the health crisis, confinements, curfews and school closures, self-destructive habits linked to eating disorders have increased, whether it is anorexia, bulimia or even overeating (ingestion of large amounts of food but without purgative behavior, i.e. without vomiting). Subject to these disorders, a person’s life revolves around his relationship to food. She may develop a food phobia, which is accompanied by an obsession with weight loss. This obsession causes many constraints, such as severe dietary restrictions, avoiding group meals or exercising excessively. Conversely, it can create a feeling of permanent hunger, which leads to the uncontrolled ingestion of large amounts of food. Some people then “purge” themselves – inducing vomiting – others do not.
While eating disorders manifest themselves in a variety of ways, one thing is certain: isolation greatly facilitates these excessive, obsessive and dangerous eating behaviors. But how ? We take stock.
See also: Alexia tells us about her anorexia
Isolation promotes these behaviors
The causes of these eating disorders are many, but the starting point of this discomfort is often the desire, usually without even being aware of it, to turn away from his real current concerns and his buried traumas. In these times of isolation, anxiety and depression, it is therefore not surprising that these disorders are on the rise. With studying and working remotely, there is a complete loss of one’s daily routine and social interactions.
In the event of anorexia, the individual suddenly finds himself with more time to focus on his sports program and his diet. At the very beginning, getting into sport and eating a balanced diet is a guarantee of good health, but over time, when the person remains isolated, these practices risk becoming over-the-top. And to turn into an obsession. According to the National Research Agency, perfectionists are particularly prone to it because they can very quickly develop a taste for competition and their new appearance.
The confinement has also led to the worsening of bulimia and binge eating: with more free time, frequent recourse to food is a means of regulating one’s emotions, reducing the intensity of perceived stress, a “food hug”, the English term designates a hug through food. This change of pace also makes it possible to spend more time on social networks, compulsively consulting accounts relating to food and cooking, but also those of influencers. a slim body.
In addition, for lack of being able to keep their “odd jobs” or find a first job, many students were sometimes forced to skip meals – a habit more conducive to the development of an eating disorder.
Read also: By putting an end to her eating disorders, Céline helps patients cope
Discover our Newsletters!
We have so much to tell you: news, trends and all kinds of exclusions.
I subscribe
The lengthening of the periods of care, a factor of aggravation
With the saturation of hospitalization capacities and the priority given in health establishments to patients with Covid-19, the extension of the periods of care during successive confinements (sometimes for several months) has only helped worsen cases of TCA: the more the disorder takes hold in an individual’s life, the more harmful eating behaviors are reinforced. Switching from in-person group therapy to Zoom didn’t help.
As we know, the pandemic has had many consequences on the mental health of citizens, but eating disorders are rarely mentioned. It is time to act on the scale and gravity of the phenomenon. And to provide an answer.
Juliette Barlier
Web editor for AuFeminin since January 2021, Juliette comes directly from California and writes on subjects related to culture, astrology, and plants from an angle …