Families Continue to Manage the Effects of the Pandemic Spike in Eating Disorders

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic witnessed a concerning surge in eating disorders, with hospital admissions for anorexia nervosa nearly tripling compared to the monthly average pre-pandemic. Today, while much of routine life has returned to normal, families and communities are still navigating the challenges of this increase through a variety of supports and treatments.

February 1^st – 7^th is Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Two CIHR-funded researchers are available to discuss the ongoing impacts of the pandemic’s rise in eating disorders and offer practical information about the supports available to effectively manage eating disorders.

• Jennifer Couturier studies pediatric eating disorders with a focus on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of evidence-based virtual eating disorder care.

• Linda Booij studies the biological, psychological, and social risk factors contributing to the development of eating disorders.