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Isolation and social media among factors behind surge in eating disorders during pandemic, charities warn

1 min read Health Mental health
Increased time spent on social media, isolation from friends, and disrupted school routines are among factors behind a surge in young people being treated for eating disorders during the pandemic, experts have warned.
Young people spent more time online during the pandemic, experts say. Picture: Adobe Stock
Young people spent more time online during the pandemic, experts say. Picture: Adobe Stock

The number of people supported by charity Beat, which works with people with eating disorders, has increased by 150 per cent since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, figures show.

The charity has cited the specific problems caused by the health crisis as factors behind the rise in young people needing support for eating disorders.

These difficulties include disrupted school routines, health concerns about family members, restricted social interaction, lack of contact with friends and increased social media use during three national lockdowns.

“The pandemic has had a huge impact on young women with or vulnerable to eating disorders,” said Martha Williams, Beat’s clinical advisor coordinator. 

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