The corona virus has become an integral part of everyday life. Numerous measures limit our usual everyday life, so that we spend much more time at home and boredom occurs more often. The increasing number of infections, the uncertainty about how things will continue in the future, the stress when the job, the school care of the children and the household have to be managed at the same time and the fear that relatives or oneself will contract the virus are a concern for many people mental stress. According to experts, people who have previously suffered from an eating disorder or have unsafe eating habits are now particularly at risk of falling back into old patterns.
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Hamster purchases can lead to binge eating
Hamster purchases are problematic in times of a pandemic. Hamster purchases have largely decreased, so that healthy people can no longer be influenced by it. However, people who are mentally unstable and at risk of eating disorders still see this as a primal fear of missing out on the food supply. This helps them start stocking up on food. For people who are prone to disordered eating behaviors, e.g. B. suffer from binge eating– an eating disorder characterized by periodic cravings – food rationing can be fatal. Binge eating episodes can be more likely to occur when the trigger foods are around, making it even more difficult to break out of the binge eating disorder. Lack of exercise exacerbates the problem of people gaining weight. And the risk of metabolic syndrome such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease also increases.
Anorexia can be increased
Someone who has suffered or is suffering from anorexia is very likely to associate higher calorie intake with feelings of anxiety during such times of crisis. To reduce these fears, calories are also reduced. The probability of slipping back into anorexia or even more so is therefore high.
When many people start hoarding food, thoughts like, “There isn’t enough food for everyone. I don’t deserve to buy more now” can also lead back to the eating disorder. It can also be triggered when so-called “safe foods” that people with anorexia rely on are no longer available in stores.
weight gain due to stress
A direct eating disorder does not always have to be behind weight gain. According to a study by nu3 , 27 percent of Germans gained weight during the Corona crisis. Women aged 35 to 44 are particularly affected. The main reasons for weight gain are unhealthy and frequent eating and a lack of exercise. But many have also gained weight due to the stress of childcare, work and household chores. According to the study, 62 percent of the 5,000 respondents want to be active again after the Corona crisis and make their diet healthier. Only 11 percent aim for a short-term diet.
Don’t hesitate, get help!
Anyone who notices that they themselves or a friend or acquaintance could be affected by developing an eating disorder again should seek help. The Psychotherapy Information Service (PID) of the Professional Association of German Psychologists . and the Federal Center for Health Education are available for this!
