binge eating

Health & Safety

Study finds pandemic pressures put SNAP recipients at risk for eating disorders

11:19am June 12, 2023

Nearly half of the people on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — also known as SNAP — experienced food insecurity during the pandemic. That’s up from a quarter of recipients prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

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A recent survey found 62% of people in the U.S. with anorexia experienced a worsening of symptoms after the pandemic hit. And nearly a third of Americans with binge-eating disorder, which is far more common, reported an increase in episodes.

Eating Disorders Thrive In Anxious Times, And Pose A Lethal Threat

10:06am September 08, 2020

by Yuki Noguchi

Eating disorders strike nearly 1 in 10 Americans, with the second-highest death rate of all psychiatric disorders. The pandemic's food insecurity, stockpiling and stress are triggering flare-ups.

Author Susan Burton struggled with disordered eating for decades. "Hunger was something that I believed protected me and gave me power," she says.

From 'Empty' To 'Satisfied': Author Traces A Hunger That Food Can't Fix

4:19pm June 23, 2020

by Terry Gross

For Susan Burton, decades of disordered eating was about power. "As long as I was bingeing, I didn't have to think. I didn't have to think about any loss or pain or wanting or yearning."

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'Eat Up': How Cultural Messages Can Lead To Eating Disorders

4:36pm December 07, 2015

by Carmen Cusido

Eating disorders affect people of all races and ethnicities, but existing research and treatments often don't take into account the cultural factors that come into play in minority communities.

Does Binge-Watching Make Us Depressed? Good Question

9:26am February 05, 2015

by Poncie Rutsch

Recent headlines make it sound as if watching just a few episodes at night can make us depressed and lonely. OK, more than a few. But the science on binge-watching is just getting started.