Long COVID & Eating Disorders:What We Know, What We’re Learning, and How to Support Recovery
While COVID-19 has faded from headlines, its ripple effects are far from over — especially for young people. One of the most complex and underrecognized intersections? The relationship between Long COVID and eating disorders.
Both conditions can affect the body, brain, and daily functioning in profound ways. And in some cases, they appear side by side — complicating diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
This post explores what we know (so far), what we’re still learning, and how to best support individuals — especially teens and young adults — navigating both.
First, What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to symptoms that persist weeks or months after initial COVID infection.
Common symptoms include:
Fatigue and brain fog
Loss of taste or smell
GI issues (nausea, poor appetite, bloating)
Headaches, joint pain, dizziness
Anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes
Autonomic dysfunction (e.g. POTS)
For some, these symptoms are mild. For others — especially teens and young adults — Long COVID can be debilitating.
The Connection to Eating Disorders
There are multiple ways Long COVID can contribute to the development or worsening of eating disorders.
1. Loss of Smell and Taste → Reduced Eating
One of the most common Long COVID symptoms is anosmia (loss of smell) or parosmia (distorted smell/taste). For many, this leads to:
Food aversions
Loss of interest in eating
Decreased appetite
Unintentional weight loss
This can trigger or worsen ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) — especially in kids or teens with sensory sensitivities.
2. GI Symptoms → Fear of Eating
Long COVID often affects the GI tract, causing:
Nausea
Bloating
Fullness after small amounts
Abdominal pain
These symptoms can lead to restrictive eating or anxiety around food. In some cases, a cycle develops:
Eat → Feel sick → Eat less → Lose weight → Increase food fear
This mimics patterns seen in restrictive-type eating disorders.
3. Fatigue and Brain Fog → Loss of Hunger Cues
With low energy and disrupted daily rhythms, people with Long COVID may:
Skip meals unintentionally
Miss hunger cues
Lose interest in food
Over time, this can dysregulate hunger/fullness patterns and lead to disordered eating habits.
Body Changes + Isolation + Mental Health Decline
Like the early pandemic era, many with Long COVID experience:
Isolation from peers and routines
Body image distress from weight loss or gain
Depression and anxiety
Loss of control or identity
These are all well-known risk factors for eating disorders, especially among teens, who are still forming their sense of self.
What the Research Says (So Far)
While this is still an emerging field, some recent findings suggest:
Eating disorders increased significantly during the pandemic, especially in youth
Some individuals with Long COVID develop new eating disorders, while others report a relapse of previous conditions
There’s a strong overlap between ARFID and Long COVID, particularly when GI or sensory symptoms are present
Many patients report medical dismissal: their food-related symptoms are minimized or misunderstood
Clinicians and families should screen for disordered eating behaviors in any young person with persistent post-COVID symptoms — even if they’ve never had an eating disorder diagnosis.
What Can We Do to Support These Patients?
Treat the Eating Disorder AND the Long COVID
Both conditions deserve validation and care. It's not “just anxiety” or “just picky eating.”
Multidisciplinary support is essential — ideally involving:
Medical provider (to monitor vitals, labs, weight trends)
Therapist (to address anxiety, trauma, or depression)
Dietitian (to rebuild safe and adequate nutrition)
Family (to create safety and routine)
Avoid Shaming Language
Phrases like “you just need to eat more” or “you’re being dramatic” can increase distress. Use curiosity:
“What foods still taste okay?”
“What does your stomach feel like after eating?”
“What feels hardest about food right now?”
Modify Meal Plans for Sensory & GI Needs
Some individuals may need:
Softer textures
Blander flavors
Small, frequent meals
Supplement drinks
Gentle reassurance that discomfort doesn’t mean danger
Recognize Trauma & Grief
Many young people with Long COVID are grieving:
Their old routines or athletic identity
Missed school or milestones
The fear of “never getting better”
This emotional pain can fuel disordered eating as a coping mechanism — so trauma-informed care is critical.
Final Thoughts
The intersection of Long COVID and eating disorders is real — and deeply complex.
If you or your child is experiencing changes in eating, anxiety around food, or unintended weight changes after COVID, don’t wait to ask for help.
Your symptoms are real. Your body deserves nourishment. And healing is absolutely possible.
Need Support?
We specialize in pediatric and young adult eating disorders, including ARFID, anorexia, and disordered eating triggered by medical or sensory conditions.
