Compulsive Eating During COVID-19

New Research on Anxiety, Binge Eating & COVID

Research Abstract

Due to the spread of COVID-19, the Italian government imposed a lockdown on its national territory. Initially, citizens were required to stay at home and not to mix with others outside of their household (Phase 1); eventually, some of these restrictions were lifted (Phase 2). To investigate the impact of lockdown on emotional and binge eating, an online survey was conducted to compare measures of self-reported physical (BMI), psychological (Alexithymia), affective (anxiety, stress, and depression), and social (income, workload) state during Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Insights & Advice

The research (Cecchetto, C., Aiello, M., Ionta, S., Gentili, C., & Osimo, S. A. (2020, December 31)) concluded that there were negative effects of isolation and lockdown on eating behavior in the Italian population. Essentially connecting increased levels of stress and social isolation with anxiety and emotional overeating. In our opinion, other ill effects would also likely include increased snacking, eating when not hungry, increased carbohydrate consumption, and consuming sugary drinks.

It’s important to be careful of eating due to stress and anxiety, especially in these difficult times. We have a few suggestions to help you manage your anxiety.

  • Keep a Stress Diary: Identify major stressors and reduce these.

  • Watch what you Watch: Avoid watching news, political debates, etc all the time. Pick and choose what you want to watch wisely and limit your digital time.

  • Keep a Food Diary: Analyze eating patterns for 5 days and modify habits if needed to reduce caloric intake. Avoid stress-eating and processed foods.

  • Eat Only when Hungry: Early dinner and late breakfast will keep get you in a fasting state. Snack with fruits and vegetables in between if needed.

  • Pick a Hobby: Learn a new skill or start reading for fun.

  • Keep Physically Active. Walk in your neighborhood or exercise at home.

  • Get Sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours per day.

Click here to access the research paper

COVID, Weight LossClick2MDClick2MDCOVID, Anxiety, Binge Eating, Obesity, Weight Loss, Weight ManagementComment