Psychologist says bingeing and lack of sleep could become problems in UAE as study finds Britons are struggling with Covid-19 pressures
Binge eating and a lack of sleep during stay-home restrictions could have a long-term effect on mental and physical health even after the coronavirus pandemic is over.
A survey of 2,250 people in the UK aged between 18 and 75 by researchers at King’s College London found almost half of respondents felt more anxious or depressed as a result of the outbreak.
Thirty-eight per cent of those who took part in the April survey said they slept less, while 35 per cent said they overate or indulged in unhealthy food.
A psychologist in Dubai said similar behavioural patterns were likely in the UAE.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on our daily lives,” said Nadia Brooker, a counselling psychologist and specialist in eating disorders at the Priory Wellbeing Centre.
“There is so much uncertainty [that] it can be hard to manage our physical and emotional well-being.
“It’s likely we are all experiencing difficult emotions, which can often lead to changes in appetite that can eventually lead to disordered eating patterns.”
Movement restrictions and stay-home measures were enforced across the UAE on March 26, and were relaxed almost four weeks later.
With many people still working from home and venturing outside only for essential trips, the temptation to indulge in angst-busting overeating remains.
At times of stress, levels of the hormone cortisol increase, which can increase appetite and may result in a vicious circle of unhealthy living.
A common reaction is a craving for feel-good foods such as chocolate, crisps, sweets and carbohydrate-rich foods that provide energy bursts and encourage the production of serotonin and dopamine.
A flood of these “happy chemicals” stimulates the pleasure centre of the brain and can distract from uncomfortable emotions.
A quarter of the people who took part in the survey said they were checking social media several times a day for coronavirus updates, which could be increasing anxiety.
Tips to avoid overeating during the pandemic include laying out a clear meal plan for the day ahead, avoiding distractions at mealtimes, keeping a food journal and staying hydrated.
Overeating issues can be worsened during Ramadan, with those fasting during the holy month encouraged to keep a check on the amount they are consuming when breaking their fast.
“Utilising food as a means of coping with stress has a strong physiological underpinning,” Ms Brooker said.
“It’s not surprising that overeating or compulsive eating is being used by many as a coping mechanism, as opposed to simply attending to hunger cues.
“We can all become more vulnerable to engaging in these types of behaviours because many of us are working from home and facing a daily temptation to eat more than normal,” she said.
“It is important that we develop as many coping skills as we possibly can in order to protect our physical and emotional well-being.”
There is so much uncertainty that it can be hard to manage our physical and emotional well-being NADIA BROOKER The Priory Wellbeing Centre