Premium
Eating and exercise behaviors in eating disorders and the general population during the COVID ‐19 pandemic in Australia: Initial results from the COLLATE project
Author(s) -
Phillipou Andrea,
Meyer Denny,
Neill Erica,
Tan Eric J.,
Toh Wei Lin,
Van Rheenen Tamsyn E.,
Rossell Susan L.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.23317
Subject(s) - pandemic , eating disorders , population , mental health , psychology , binge eating disorder , binge eating , psychiatry , covid-19 , young adult , medicine , clinical psychology , gerontology , environmental health , bulimia nervosa , disease , developmental psychology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pathology
Objective Emerging evidence suggests that the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic may be negatively impacting mental health. The impact on eating and exercise behaviors is, however, currently unknown. This study aimed to identify changes in eating and exercise behaviors in an Australian sample among individuals with an eating disorder, and the general population, amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak. Method A total of 5,469 participants, 180 of whom self‐reported an eating disorder history, completed questions relating to changes in eating and exercise behaviors since the emergence of the pandemic, as part of the COLLATE (COvid‐19 and you: mentaL heaLth in AusTralia now survEy) project; a national survey launched in Australia on April 1, 2020. Results In the eating disorders group, increased restricting, binge eating, purging, and exercise behaviors were found. In the general population, both increased restricting and binge eating behaviors were reported; however, respondents reported less exercise relative to before the pandemic. Discussion The findings have important implications for providing greater monitoring and support for eating disorder patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition, the mental and physical health impacts of changed eating and exercise behaviors in the general population need to be acknowledged and monitored for potential long‐term consequences.