Is the Pandemic a Risk Factor for Eating Disorders?

COVID-19 has already established direct or indirect effect on the lives of everyone. One of its many consequences is exacerbation of eating disorders´ (ED) triggers. Numerous risk factors for ED are enhanced during pandemic – anxiety, fear, depressed mood. Distance learning or working may result in loss of daily-life routine and feeling of being overwhelmed with duties. Due to forced isolation people are more exposed to social media pressure. Additionally, awareness of limitations of physical activity can develop fear of gaining the weight. These are typical symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa, a disease with the highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders. Frustration, tedium and lack of external distractors can lead to inappropriate food-related coping style. Especially during the first wave of the pandemic, society was cautious about fresh food supplies and therefore many decided to stock up with processed, unhealthy food. Aggregation of stressors (e.g., worries about health, financial problems, loneliness) may promote binge eating.