Providers see a spike in eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

SEATTLE — Care providers around the country say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an alarming surge in eating disorders.

Eating disorder hotlines have seen a 70% increase in calls and chats since the pandemic started, according to the White House.

Kristen Myers is a therapist who works at the Emily Program, a eating disorder treatment center with locations in Seattle and Lacey.

“Not only are more people calling in — more people needing help, but also the people coming in are more acute in their struggle,” said Myers. “So many people are in so much pain around it and really don’t know what to do and how to understand what they’re going through.”

Myers says their waiting list is the longest it’s been in the eleven years she’s worked there.

The Emily Program’s mission is to connect those struggling with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating to therapists, dieticians and psychiatric providers.

They say there are a number of factors contributing to the surge in cases.

As there were many things people couldn’t control during the pandemic, some patients say that’s why they became more preoccupied with what they’re eating and how much they exercise.

Lucy Sayah, a college freshman recovering from anorexia, spoke to CBS Chicago about the warning signs family and friends can look out for.

“If people start avoiding events with food, or missing out on birthday parties, or telling their friends ‘Oh, I’m not hungry’ or say they want to work out when they’ve never shown an interest in that before … It can be a very subtle change,” said Sayah. “It could be the things that people wouldn’t think twice about.”

An estimated one in ten Americans is likely to develop an eating disorder at some point in their life.

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