Binge eating disorders and psychological well-being in prolonged COVID-19 pandemic: Retrospective cross-sectional study on undergraduate students

COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of people across the world. It was hypothesized that the pandemic would exacerbate the severity of ED symptomatology due to greater levels of anxiety, emotional dysregulation and stress related to social isolation and loneliness.

In this observational study, 508 undergraduate Italian students voluntary participated in an online survey to investigate the psycho-behavioural impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the risk of BED related to psychological disease such as dysfunctional anxiety and fear associated with COVID-19 and post-traumatic stress disorder linked to COVID-19, as well as personality traits and overall well-being in prolonged pandemic.

Findings evidenced that individuals affected by binge eating symptoms tended to develop low ‘Sense of Meaning’ as well ‘Overall Well-Being’. People at risk for BED are not oriented toward giving direction and meaning to their life and these aspects could significantly affect the ability to be well oriented to pursue goals in a planned manner and general well-being.

This study points out the negative psychological impact of the pandemic outbreak and the high vulnerability of individuals at risk for BED.