Research shows eating disorders requiring hospital care increased significantly among children, teens during pandemic

The overall rate of ER visits among adolescents jumped by 121% above expected levels, whereas the rate of hospital admissions was up 54% above what was expected in that age bracket. Emergency visits among young adults aged 18 to 26 years and older Canadians aged 41 years and above also went up during the pandemic period but relatively smaller increases were observed. In all age groups, women required higher rates of hospital care for eating disorders than was expected. Researchers say isolation, increased time on social media, extended time spent with family, decreased access to care and fear of infection may have contributed to the increased risk of developing an eating disorder.