Impacts of the Pandemic on Eating and Exercise Behaviors

By now, you have experienced at least some of the impacts of COVID-19, whether that’s social, financial, or changes to food and exercise behaviors.

COVID-19 and Eating Behaviors: What’s changed and why?

Increased Levels of Overeating

Many people experienced episodes of overeating and binge eating, for several reasons:

• The CDC recommends going out to get groceries less or using delivery services; individuals now have more food in the house than they’re used to.
• Disrupted sleep patterns are associated with night eating.
• Individuals consume more “comfort food” to cope with pandemic-related distress.
• Dysregulated schedules continue to affect regular eating patterns—regular eating patterns being three meals and a few snacks throughout the day.

Several studies suggest that all these issues may last longer than the initial pandemic, and that it may be a while before we recognize the full impact of this global trauma.

Heightened Anxiety Around Food

A large percentage of the population, both with and without diagnosed mental illnesses, reported more concern about their eating habits over the course of the pandemic.

Those with restrictive eating disorders reported higher instances of skipping meals throughout the pandemic, while individuals who struggled with binge eating or binge/purging felt “out of control” around food.

Less Access to a Variety of Food

COVID-19 has exacerbated food insecurity around the world. Food insecurity, including lack of access to a variety of food, is highly correlated with eating disorders. 

Related: This is how to handle food insecurity and an eating disorder.

COVID-19 and Exercise: Disrupted Healthy Movement

Decreased Physical Movement for Some

There are usually many forms of physical movement: going outdoors, walking with friends, going to the gym—and balanced levels of exercise is excellent for mental health.

However, social distancing recommendations, quarantine requirements, and (for some) hypochondria, most individuals reported less movement altogether. Some were able to take socially distanced walks, but for the most part, people had difficulty moving inside the house and getting outside.

Studies reported that less physical movement, coupled with increased levels of media consumption, had detrimental effects on mental health.

Increased Levels of Exercise for Others

Other initial studies show that individuals who experienced heightened body image concerns during the pandemic thought about and engaged in more exercise than ever before.

This is especially true for those who suffer from eating disorders, who reported increased levels of compensatory exercise behaviors during and after lockdowns.

Specific Impacts of COVID-19 on Eating, Depression, and Self-Harm Disorders

Individuals with a history of disordered eating and self-harm showed an increase in behaviors throughout the pandemic due to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and distress and poorer mental wellbeing.

The pandemic also caused individuals whose eating disorders were in remission to slip, lapse, and relapse. Individuals especially at-risk for eating disorder relapse include people who: 

• Experienced COVID-19 related trauma 
• Engaged in restrictive diets to become “immune” to COVID-19
• Were in triggering environments during lockdown

Mental Health and the Pandemic 

For individuals who have developed mental health problems over the course of COVID-19—it’s never easy admitting that you are suffering, but it is easier now. COVID-19 has pushed mental health into the spotlight and the expansion of telehealth and services allows for greater access and anonymity than ever before. If you are in need of support, there are actually more options than ever and a seemingly greater acceptance and awareness of mental health issues among employers and society at large.