Specialist says COVID-19 lockdowns contributing to spike in eating disorders

A Toronto specialist says the number of people experiencing eating disorders has significantly increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kyla Fox, eating disorder expert and founder of the Kyla Fox Centre, attributed the ongoing lockdowns and restrictions to the spike in unhealthy eating habits.

“The waitlists for treatment have never been longer,” Fox said in an interview on Morning Live Thursday. “When you are relying on being out in the world and connected to things that you love and…suddenly all of that is taken from you, food in the body becomes such a strong place for people to feel like they can control something, avoid things, not have to feel things or num out from stuff.”

Another factor contributing to the rise in eating disorders during the pandemic is more time spent on social media.

While a person can choose who they follow online, Fox said people may not have the ability to make conscious decisions about who they’re influenced by when they feel vulnerable and not good about themselves.

“We’re looking for things to actually emulate or take us away from our own life,” she said. “Often that can lead to really harmful messages around food in the body.”

Signs Someone You Love Has An Eating Disorder

Fox said a common stereotype of an eating disorder is only picturing someone as underweight. However, anorexia is just one of many eating disorders.

“Most people with eating disorders cross a long spectrum of restriction, binging and purging,” she said. “Often, people with eating disorders actually look very normal.”

In fact, Fox said evidence of an unhealthy eating pattern is not always reflected in the body.

Other signs to look out for include their feelings; ability to engage, communicate or participate; if they’re consistently not hungry; not showing up for meals; bringing their lunches home; and hiding or hoarding food in their room.

How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder

The Kyla Fox Centre is an eating disorder outpatient centre in Toronto offering treatment for all conditions, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and over-exercise addiction, among others.

 Their team is able to work with individuals who are diagnosed with an eating disorder(s) and those with disordered eating and negative body image who may not have a clinical diagnosis.

 Given the pandemic, they are now operating virtually. This means all services can be accessed from anywhere in the world, which Fox said has improved how quickly people heal.

“Being able to integrate your recovery while you’re in your life, to do it in the comfort of your own home, not having to take time away from work or school or pause your life to be in recovery has actually proven to be more effective for people in recovery,” she said.