Covid 19-Pandemic’s Effects on Eating Disorder Symptoms: A Systematic Review

The rapid surge of COVID-19 cases has prompted the implementation of lockdowns and travel restrictions, necessitating individuals to maintain strict physical distancing measures for transmission prevention. However, numerous studies have found that these preventive measures have inadvertently elevated stress levels among individuals, which in turn worsens eating disorder symptoms. Notably, some studies suggested that individuals with eating disorders benefited from the pandemic. Therefore, the current study aims to identify the factors influencing the exacerbation and alleviation of eating disorder symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The studies were conducted through systematic literature review using electronic databases. 104 studies with a total sample size of approximately 35,000 individuals that met the inclusion criteria have been involved in this study. The current findings found both positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorders symptoms. The themes that have been identified include fear of contagion, changes in social support and interaction, changes in routine, changes in access to treatment, the role of social media, changes in the relationship with food, and improvements in self-care. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics, highlighting the complexities of the connection between the COVID-19 pandemic and eating disorder symptoms. Tailored intervention strategies and targeted support programs are essential to address the diverse impacts identified in this study. Future research is needed to focus on the Asian context, older age groups and the paediatric population while also examining specific eating disorders for a more multifaceted understanding of the pandemic’s effects.