- Child and adolescent psychiatrists from the Ribera health group detect increasingly younger patients, with an average age of 13 years, and a greater number of men than before Covid, in relation to the total increase in cases
- Endocrinologists explain that erroneous eating habits have increased in adults and impulse control has worsened, leading to eating more quantity and at the wrong time. Child and adolescent psychiatrists from the Ribera health group detect younger and younger patients, with an average age of 13 years, and a greater number of men than before Covid, in relation to the total increase in cases
professionals of Ribera healthcare group warn of the increase in cases of eating disorders in adolescents and dysfunctional eating patterns in adults, as a consequence of the pandemic. Specifically, the Mental Health Unit of the Torrejón University Hospital (HUT), managed by this health group, has detected a "significant increase" in eating disorders, especially from the last quarter of 2020 and originating from the start of the health crisis or in the subsequent months . "In the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry consultation, we have seen a worrying increase in cases, with many patients who arrive at a very low weight, and who place the onset of the disorder in the first moments of confinement," explains the child and adolescent psychiatrist of the HUT, Sara Anton.
Dr. Antón assures that, in general, "these are younger patients, with an average age of 13 years, at the beginning of adolescence" and she is struck by "a greater number of males affected, in relation to the total increase in cases”. “Generally these are overweight patients, more or less pronounced, who have anticipated that they would gain weight during confinement and are in an initial phase of adolescence, in which they are more aware of their bodies and are very concerned about their health. personal image".
With regard to adults, endocrinologists from the Ribera health group agree that the pandemic has led to erroneous eating habits and worse control of anxiety in food intake. Ruth Boente, endocrinologist at Ribera Povisa Hospital, ensures that "in general during the pandemic, patients who are overweight or obese neglect their eating habits and especially exercise, and attribute this to some fear and others boredom." However, he explains that he also has cases that they have taken advantage of to take better care of themselves. “The feeling is that the psychologically stronger and more optimistic patients see and take advantage of the positive part of the pandemic,” she adds.
For his colleague Guillermo Negueruela, an endocrinologist at the Vinalopó University Hospital, the pandemic "has increased the frequency of dysfunctional eating patterns." "Patients are having a harder time controlling food between meals or snacks, as well as anxiety about eating food, and they lack motivation to eat well and take care of themselves," says this specialist, who divides these patients into two large profiles: large eaters, who ensure that they are not easily satiated; and the snackers, who eat very fast and at the wrong time. Remember Dr. Negueruela that this problem adds to the one we already had before Covid: "50% of the population is overweight or obese."
The most common eating disorders detected in recent months in children and adolescents are restrictive eating disorders, although over time, according to Dr. Antón, "they can get complicated, presenting bulimic characteristics." "Behaviors that are initially perceived in the family as something positive, related to self-care, progressively turn into a disorder," she adds. That is why she recommends being very aware of "any important change in eating and exercise habits, if the adolescent shows excessive concern for body image or if he weighs himself many times."
In this “sometimes excessive image care”, they explain, social networks play a special role. Nuria Lázaro, nurse specialist in Mental Health and coordinator of the HUT Eating Disorder Program, assures that "pages that talk about food and nutrition are becoming more and more fashionable, which can be a double-edged sword when their messages become core thought, and determine behavior.
For Dr. Boente, an endocrinologist at the Ribera Povisa Hospital, "we have to work so that our adolescents and young people are able to eat a varied diet, so that they do not avoid or reject certain food groups, or eat together." "Unexpected weight loss coupled with the above should alert us to a possible eating disorder," she says. In addition, she recalls that "it is important to ensure that our elders have a diverse diet, since they often make it more monotonous." "With age, loss of taste, smell and appetite, chewing problems are frequent and we must offer a variety of foods, with an attractive presentation and enrich the dishes with ground nuts or powdered milk".
Dr. Negueruela, a specialist in Endocrinology at the Vinalopó University Hospital, recommends "incorporating daily physical exercise, the Mediterranean diet, having an active life, cultivating family support and social relationships despite the pandemic." And above all, do not neglect health education among children and adolescents.
