The winter months pose many challenges, and our mental health is not exempt. It might be no surprise to hear that those with eating disorders and other mental health challenges might notice an uptick in symptoms during the colder months of the year.
Can an eating disorder get worse during the winter?
Many factors play a part in the increase of symptoms that those with eating disorders battle during the winter months and seasonal shifts.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
One of the main reasons that may contribute to the worsening of eating disorders during the winter is the reduced exposure to natural sunlight. Less daylight can lead to decreased serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter crucial to mood regulation.
This reduction is often linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that usually occurs in the winter. For individuals with eating disorders, the onset of SAD can intensify feelings of sadness, hopelessness and anxiety, potentially leading to a heightened habit of food intake as a means of coping.
One source says that those “with BN [bulimia nervosa] experience worsening of mood and weight gain, and an exacerbation of binge eating and purging, during the fall-winter months… Given that binge eating is a cardinal feature of both BN and BED [binge-eating disorder], there is reason to predict that clinically significant binge eating and SAD may be related.”
Lack of physical activity
Cold weather and short days may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle as outdoor activities become less available. This decrease in physical activity can contribute to the desire to control food intake or engage in disordered eating behaviors to manage weight when activity lessens.
Holiday Stress
For someone with an eating disorder, the intense focus on food during the holidays can trigger feelings of anxiety and fear about eating in social settings or the perceived loss of control over food choices. The pressure to participate in holiday traditions can trigger disordered eating patterns and individuals may resort to restrictive behaviors or purging to cope with the stress.
Additionally, emphasis on New Year’s resolutions, often focused on weight loss, can reinforce unhealthy perspectives about food and body image. The toxic diet culture that resurfaces at the start of each year can worsen eating disorder symptoms by promoting unrealistic body standards and driving more profound any sense of inadequacy about one’s body image.
Isolation
Additionally, social isolation, which can be more pronounced during the winter months due to poor weather and fewer outdoor social activities, may contribute to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. For those battling eating disorders, this isolation can be particularly harmful as a lack of social support may cause an increase in disordered habits to cope with stress and loneliness.
Do all eating disorders get worse during the winter?
There is a possibility for various types of eating disorders to be affected during the winter months for different reasons.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, resulting in severe restriction of food intake. During the winter, several factors can contribute to the worsening of anorexia nervosa, including:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can accompany anorexia nervosa, intensifying feelings of sadness, isolation and anxiety about weight and body image
- Bulkier winter clothing might reduce the immediate pressure to maintain a societally pressured “summer body,” but for individuals with anorexia, this can trigger increased anxiety and a heightened focus on controlling their body shape and weight
- Holiday gatherings and the emphasis on food during this season can be particularly stressful, causing individuals to exercise more control over their eating as a coping mechanism
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting or excessive exercise. The winter season may worsen these behaviors in different ways, including:
- Isolation and mood changes associated with winter can amplify the binge-purge cycle
- Reduced social interaction during winter months can lead to increased feelings of loneliness and depression, which are significant triggers for binge eating episodes
- Seeking comfort in food can cause guilt and shame, which often leads to purging behaviors
- With the abundance of food and the pressure to participate in social eating, holiday celebrations can trigger binges. At the same time, the fear of losing control over one’s weight during this period can increase purging behaviors
The cycle of bingeing and purging can become more frequent as individuals struggle to cope with the emotional demands of the season.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often in a short period, accompanied by a sense of loss of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviors, which can lead to significant weight gain and associated health issues.
The winter season can be particularly challenging for individuals with BED due to several factors:
- Decreased physical activity leads to a reduction in movement that increases feelings of lethargy and may contribute to weight gain, which can hurt one’s body image and self-esteem
- The decrease in sunlight can affect the brain’s serotonin levels, potentially leading to increased cravings for carbohydrate-rich and high-calorie comfort foods
- Festive foods and culturally-accepted holiday indulgence can trigger binge-eating episodes
- Stress and anxiety associated with social gatherings and family dynamics may tempt some to use food as a coping mechanism in dealing with overwhelming emotions
Do you need support during the winter?
Understanding how winter can impact eating disorders is essential for developing effective coping strategies. For individuals struggling with these conditions, seeking professional help from therapists, dietitians or support groups can provide critical support and guidance.
To speak with someone who can help today, call Seeds of Hope at 610-644-6464 or fill out an online contact form here.
