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Please note!
This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.
Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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FACT BRIEF

Is there evidence that eating disorders have worsened during the pandemic?

By Lisa Freedland
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YES

During the coronavirus pandemic, many of those who suffer from eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, have seen their symptoms “ramp up.” Hotline calls to the National Eating Disorders Association were up 70-80% as of August 2020, NPR reported.

A 2020 study in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found participants with anorexia reported greater eating restrictions and fear about “finding foods consistent with their meal plan” under quarantine restrictions; participants with bulimia reported increases in binge-eating urges and episodes. Participants reported greater anxiety, including around being able to exercise. More than a third also reported positive changes, such as increased connection with family and friends.

Nearly half of participants claimed that virtual therapy appointments were insufficient compared to in-person treatment.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
NPR: Eating disorders thrive in anxious times, and pose a lethal threat
Wiley Online Library: Early impact of COVID-19 on individuals with self-reported eating disorders
Scientific American: COVID-19-era isolation is making dangerous eating disorders worse
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Gigafact
Between 2020 and 2022, under close editorial supervision, Gigafact contracted a group of freelance writers and editors to test the concepts for fact briefs and provide inputs to our software development process. We call this effort Gigafact Foundry. Over the course of these two years, Gigafact Foundry writers published over 1500 fact briefs in response to claims they found online. Their important work forms the basis of Gigafact formats and editorial guidelines, and is available to the public on Gigafact.org. Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of relevant information to be found, not all fact briefs produced by Gigafact Foundry reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date and need to be looked at with fresh eyes, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.