Rise in Eating Disorders Among Youth

eating disorder

Rise in Eating Disorders Among Youth

Steering Committee

April 05, 2023

We have spent much time in the past year looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many areas of our lives, our work, our communities, and the children and families we serve. The unfortunate reality is that, in many ways, the pandemic continues to affect all our lives. One trend we have not had a chance to discuss, but whose ramifications can be lethal, is the rise in eating disorders that the pandemic caused. We all have a relationship with food – after all we need sustenance to survive. Some of us may think of food as fuel – just a basic need to be met that helps us function and survive. Some of us may have a much more complicated relationship with food and, for many, this complex relationship was exacerbated during the pandemic.

Some studies have shown that there was an increase in eating disorders (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.1 We have previously discussed the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the rates of depression and anxiety on youth, that along with food insecurity and panic buying led to a change in dietary habits for some, and an exacerbation of disordered eating for those already struggling with EDs.2 EDs affect people of every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation, and background. Nine percent of the population in the United States (U.S) will have an eating disorder in their lifetime – that is 28.8 million individuals.3 Typically, the onset of EDs is in adolescence or young adulthood and a study found that there was a significant increase in adolescent and young adults seeking treatment for ED symptoms, for both inpatient and outpatient care, after the COVID-19 pandemic. 4

Some studies have shown that there was an increase in eating disorders (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.1 We have previously discussed the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the rates of depression and anxiety on youth, that along with food insecurity and panic buying led to a change in dietary habits for some, and an exacerbation of disordered eating for those already struggling with EDs.2 EDs affect people of every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation, and background. Nine percent of the population in the United States (U.S) will have an eating disorder in their lifetime – that is 28.8 million individuals.3 Typically, the onset of EDs is in adolescence or young adulthood and a study found that there was a significant increase in adolescent and young adults seeking treatment for ED symptoms, for both inpatient and outpatient care, after the COVID-19 pandemic.4

Here are some additional sobering facts from the Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders:5

  • 42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner
  • 81% of 10-year-old children are afraid of being fat
  • 46% of 9–11-year-olds are “sometimes” or “very often” on diets
  • 35-57% of adolescent girls engage in crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills, or laxatives
  • Less than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight”
  • Eating disorders are among the deadliest mental illnesses, second only to opioid overdose
  • About 26% of people with eating disorders attempt suicide
  • 30% of people dealing with eating disorders have experienced sexual abuse
  • Black teenagers are 50% more likely than white teenagers to exhibit bulimic behavior, such as binge-eating and purging
  • Gay and bisexual boys are significantly more likely to fast, vomit, or take laxatives or diet pills to control their weight
  • Nearly nine in ten (87%) LGBTQ youth reported being dissatisfied with their body
  • LGBTQ youth with body dissatisfaction had twice the odds of reporting a suicide attempt in the past year compared to LGBTQ youth with body satisfaction
  • 3-10% of children and young people with eating disorders also have autism

Given all this information and knowing that the pandemic has significantly affected the prevalence of EDs in children and youth, it is highly likely that we are serving clients/students with EDs. It is imperative that we recognize the possible signs that we know someone who may have an ED and get them help as soon as possible.

Here are some possible signs:

  • Emotional/Behavioral Signs
    • Weight loss, dieting, and control of food are primary concerns
    • Food rituals
    • Social withdrawal
    • Frequent dieting, body checking
    • Extreme mood swings
  • Physical
    • Noticeable weight fluctuations
    • Gastrointestinal complaints
    • Dizziness upon standing
    • Difficulty concentrating, sleeping
    • Issues with dental, skin, hair, and nail health

The percentages for all categories in the adolescent category show a slight increase from the past year, 2021, numbers. Unfortunately, due to methodological changes to the survey in 2021 it is difficult to compare the numbers to prior years.

This past year, Children Now, a nonpartisan, whole-child research, policy development, and advocacy organization, also conducted a survey of substance use by California (CA) youth. This survey found that the substances most often used by California’s youth are alcohol and marijuana.2 They also found that by 11th grade, nearly a quarter of CA youth are actively using alcohol and drugs. It is important to note that the earlier a person begins to use alcohol and other drugs the higher the likelihood of developing a SUD.

Some of the stressors that cause teens and young children to turn to alcohol and other drugs for comfort include:

  • Houselessness
  • Poverty
  • Systemic Inequities
  • Other mental health challenges and/or symptoms
  • Not feeling connected to their school community
  • Being members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) community

This is not an exhaustive list nor is it a way to attempt to diagnose, just a list of possible signs that a child may be struggling with an ED, not all signs may be present and there may be co-occurring issues that may complicate how these possible symptoms manifest themselves. It is important to approach any situation without making any assumptions and with good intention. The key is to pay attention to your students and if you suspect that a child is struggling with an ED that you listen with care and empathy and to be armed with information and resources to get them help if needed.

References:

  1. Gao Y, Bagheri N, Furuya-Kanamori L. Has the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown worsened eating disorders symptoms among patients with eating disorders? A systematic review. Z Gesundh Wiss. 2022;30(11):2743-2752. doi: 10.1007/s10389-022-01704-4. Epub 2022 Mar 29. PMID: 35369670; PMCID: PMC8961480
  2. Touyz S, Lacey H, Hay P (2020) Eating disorders in the time of COVID-19. J Eat Disord 8(19). 10.1186/s40337-020-00295-3
  3. Report: Economic Costs of Eating Disorders
  4. 4. Hartman-Munick SM, Lin JA, Milliren CE, et al. Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic With Adolescent and Young Adult Eating Disorder Care Volume. JAMA Pediatr. 2022;176(12):1225–1232. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4346
  5. Eating Disorder Statistics

Resources:

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