COVID-19 Pandemic Now Linked With Unhealthy Eating Behaviors

(Newswire.net — September 23, 2022) Orlando, FL — The changes brought about by Covid-19 continue to plague people worldwide. Aside from sickness and death, it appears to have affected the eating behaviors of many people.

A study has shown a slight increase in the rates of eating disorders. It is important to note that eating disorders are one of the most fatal psychiatric health issues today. 

This study was carried out by researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School and the School of Public Health. 

Scientists say that the most concerning study result indicates a slight rise or the re-emergence of eating disorders. It is important to note that eating disorders account for roughly 10,200 deaths every year, or around one person every 52 minutes.

This research was carried out by U of M Medical School’s Melissa Simone, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, in collaboration with School of Public Health professor and head of the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Ph.D., MPH,

The investigators aimed at learning from study participants in Neumark-Sztainer’s Project EAT between April and May 2020.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the rapid implementation of public health policies to reduce transmission of the virus. While these protections are necessary, the disruptions to daily life associated with the ongoing pandemic may have significant negative consequences for the risk of eating disorders and symptoms,” said Simone, who is the lead author of the study. 

The findings of this interesting research were published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. 

The six key themes of eating behavior changes are mindless eating and snacking, increased food intake, generalized decrease in appetite or dietary intake, eating to cope, pandemic-related reductions in dietary intake, and a re-emergence or marked increase in eating disorder symptoms.

“Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates across all psychiatric health concerns, and therefore, it is important to try to make links between the consequences of the pandemic and disordered eating behaviors.”

Experts have long been warning against unhealthy eating habits, which could lead in weight gain and the increased risk of certain diseases. It is important to realize that eating disorders are linked with high levels of stress as well as certain mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

One of the ways to enhance and ward off these issues is to exercise regularly. Some studies have shown engaging in physical activities helps boost mood and reduce stress levels.  There are supplements like Divine Bounty L-Carnitine found to be potentially helpful to individuals who want to improve their exercise performance and adherence. (www.amazon.com/dp/B06XF7K9MM).