It’s hard to imagine another time when people were as conscious about their bodies and their health as they are today. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only increased people’s awareness of their health, but periods of isolation and disruptions to daily routines have led to a lack of control over almost every aspect of pandemic life. This has placed many people in a state of physical and mental fragility. While we all face stress and uncertainty in different ways, for many it has led to an increase in body dysmorphia and unhealthy eating habits. Eating disorders are incredibly complex, but being psychological disorders, they often overlap with other mental health issues such as depression, OCD, and anxiety.
Studies have shown an overall increased incidence of eating disorders during the pandemic as well as an increase in depression, anxiety, and mental health issues during this time. A study in the International Journal of Eating Disorders[1] found that participants with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder reported increased problems in their relationship with food.
Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening, but often overlooked illnesses. Although studies are limited in the UK, estimated figures indicate that around 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder and reports in the UK have revealed a significant increase in number of inquiries about eating disorder treatment since the start of the pandemic.[2].
A common factor in all eating disorders is malnutrition, particularly an undernourished brain. Food is food, but the role of nutrition in such disorders is often overlooked. Many nutrients the body needs to function optimally must be obtained from food. These essential nutrients include amino acids from protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals such as magnesium and selenium. are crucial for mental health and brain function. The human brain represents 25% of the body’s total energy needs and its nutritional needs are immense. Undernourishing the brain can lead to poor mental health and poor behavior.
No matter what your child/teen is going through, they absolutely need a loved one by their side. It is equally imperative that anyone suffering from an eating disorder – whether a child, adolescent or adult – receives dedicated care from a specialist psychiatrist experienced in treatment of eating disorders.
How to have a better relationship with your body
Diet culture has become unrealistic, loaded with claims and myths, none of which are based in science. The growing popularity of social media platforms such as Tok-tok and Instagram, where people often showcase their fad diets or slimming plans, certainly doesn’t help.
Ditch the “diet” mentality
Instead of focusing on food, think about nourishing yourself – physically, mentally and emotionally. This may include seeking to eliminate any key stressors from your life and prioritizing how you feel over how you look. Don’t give in: we are always our own harshest critics. Think of food as nourishment for your mental and physical well-being.
Show your body love
Instead of focusing on what you don’t like about your body, take the time to enjoy everything you do. Our bodies are incredible – take the time to remember that. We all need to establish and maintain a positive, loving relationship with our bodies – it may not happen overnight, but start making small changes in how you view your body and what it can do .
Start with simple steps
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated and doesn’t mean following restrictive diets. Little things like replacing soft drinks with water or herbal teas, reducing added sugars and syrups, adding more vegetables and fruits to your plate daily can make a huge difference in the way we feel.
Be active
Exercising can do wonders for your body and brain. Exercise is one of the most powerful natural antidepressants there is, and it doesn’t take many hours in the gym or on the streets. A daily walk with friends, a weekend bike ride – choose something you enjoy and can share with friends and family.
Stop scrolling
Stop mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds and comparing yourself to perfectly filtered photoshopped images. Limit your time spent on social media and avoid using your phone right before bed. If you have friends on social media who make you feel bad about yourself, unfollow them. You need to surround yourself with people who love and strengthen you.
Be attentive
Take time every day to focus on yourself and how you feel. Remember that self-esteem comes from within rather than what happens on a daily basis and certainly not from comparisons with others. If you’re feeling negative, acknowledge it, but don’t let it control your actions or your feelings about yourself.
[1] Jet D. Termorshuizen et al. Early impact of COVID-19 on people with self-reported eating disorders: a survey of approximately 1,000 people in the United States and the Netherlands. International Journal of Eating Disorders Volume 53, Number 11
November 2020 Pages 1780-1790
[2] Priory Group. Eating disorders. https://www.priorygroup.com/eating-disorders. Nd. Accessed December 30, 2021.