According to recent research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), hospital admissions for eating disorders among children and teenagers in Canada increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, conducted by researchers in Ontario, analyzed data from March 2020 to August 2022 and compared it to pre-pandemic figures from January 2017 to February 2020. They found that emergency department visits and hospitalizations for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa were higher than expected among adolescents aged 10 to 17 years.
During the pandemic, the rate of emergency department visits for adolescents rose 121% above expected levels, while hospital admissions were 54% higher in that age group than anticipated. Dr. Alene Toulany, an adolescent medicine specialist at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), emphasized that the pandemic has brought the issue of eating disorders to the forefront, particularly among young people. The study also revealed smaller increases in emergency visits among young adults aged 18 to 26 and older Canadians aged 41 and above, while hospital admissions for eating disorders in Canadians aged 18 and older decreased below expected rates.
The study attributed the rise in eating disorders to a combination of factors, including isolation, increased time on social media, extended time spent with family, decreased access to care, and fear of infection. The authors also suggested that the overall increase in mental health disorders during the pandemic may contribute to the development or exacerbation of eating disorders. Concerns around health and fitness, closure of gyms, promotion of at-home workouts on social media, and fear of weight gain further compounded the issues.
Toulany noted that adolescents are especially vulnerable to the stressors of the pandemic, but further research is needed to fully understand the driving factors behind the increase in eating disorders. The authors of the study called for more research on this topic and urged healthcare authorities to allocate more funding and resources to eating disorder programs for adolescents and adults in the country. The study highlights the importance of raising awareness about eating disorders and providing adequate support for affected individuals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a significant mental health toll in Canada, particularly among young people. Another study published in the CMAJ last month showed a large increase in pediatric hospital visits for self-harm during the early years of the pandemic. The negative impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young individuals, has also been well-documented. Recent reports have revealed that Instagram’s algorithms sometimes promote pro-eating disorder content to users, including minors as young as nine and ten years old.
If you or someone you know is experiencing disordered eating, the National Eating Disorder Information Centre offers an online chat and toll-free helpline (1-866-633-4220) to provide support and connect individuals with appropriate resources.
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