Title:Eating Disorders in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Perspective
Volume: 23
Issue: 2
Author(s): Simonetta Marucci*, Guido Almerighi, Nadia Cerutti, Filomena Corbo, Roberta Zupo, Giulia De Iaco, Giuseppe Lisco, Vincenzo Triggiani and Giovanni De Pergola
Affiliation:
- Università Campus Biomedico. Dip. “Scienze e Tecnologie per l'Uomo e l'ambiente”. Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Roma, Italy
Keywords:
Sars-cov-2, COVID-19, pandemic, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, obesity.
Abstract:
Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, current epidemiological conditions
may exacerbate the risk of new-onset, recurrence and relapse of eating disorders. This perspective
aims to better analyse the phenomenon.
Results: Some data suggest that new-onset and recurrence/relapse of eating disorders are increasing
due to the pandemic. Government restrictions, self-confinement, social isolation, restriction
to healthcare facilities access, delayed access to diagnosis and cure, fear of contagion, distress
and difficulties related to the telemedicine approach contribute to this burden. The Immune system
dysfunction usually observed in undernourishment (e.g., anorexia nervosa) could delay the
diagnosis of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, and predispose to possible bacterial
superinfections. Conversely, patients with binge eating, obesity or metabolic syndrome are susceptible
to high-grade systemic inflammation and poor prognosis once the infection has occurred.
Discussion: More detailed data combining research on eating disorders and COVID-19 are required
despite some evidence. Many data show that telemedicine has beneficial aspects, but its
impact on long-term mental health is still poorly understood. Short- and long-term consequences
of COVID-19 in patients with eating disorders are unknown, but they will likely become more
apparent over time.
Conclusion: Working on emotion regulating strategies in a post-pandemic world, when people
have inadequate control over the background of negative emotions, could be a future treatment
strategy. Long-term studies with a larger sample size are essential to assess the long-term consequences
of the blockade on patients and their healthcare providers and identify useful strategies
to improve clinical management.
