Alarming Increase of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents.

Eating disorders are potentially life-threatening conditions that affect the quality of life of children and adolescents as well as their families.1 These disorders can be complex and often severe, relating to atypical eating behaviors that have the potential to impair the overall well-being and function of those affected. Most eating disorders involve extreme body dissatisfaction and an obsessive focus on body weight and food, resulting in dangerous dietary routines that negatively affect nutritional intake, causing adverse effects on the growth and development of children and adolescents. Alternative forms of eating disorders may not be exclusively focused on concern for body image; they may also include behaviors that hinder weight gain or involve an uncontrolled drive to pursue health and fitness.1 Recent alarming data from several European countries2 show a remarkable increase in eating disorders of ≤40% in the 6- to 18-year-old population since the beginning of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Similarly, a significant increase in eating disorders in children and adolescents has been observed recently in the US.3 These data have prompted increased attention to these disorders and their effects among children and adolescents. The purpose of this commentary, prepared by the Working Group on Social Pediatrics of the European Association of Pediatrics, Union of European National Pediatric Societies and Associations, is to raise further awareness among pediatricians about the danger of eating disorders and the causes of their increase. The economic and social disruption caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has been associated by several studies with a significant increase of eating disorders, highlights that special attention should be paid to prevent the onset and effects of this serious condition during and after periods of severe social distress.