Objective

Stressful experiences can dramatically affect eating. The relatively sudden, global emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic served as a massive stressor to virtually all people, regardless of infection status. This study hypothesized that actual and perceived stressors from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the categories of recurring disruptions, environmental threat, and social isolation would be positively associated with increased self-reported eating in the United States (U.S.).

Methods

Over 1,100 English-fluent adults (52.8% women) living in the U.S. were recruited for a cross-sectional online survey about eating, COVID-19 consequences, and stress experiences. Linear regressions examined associations between perceived stress on five eating measures, and individual differences in personal/work situations, perceptions, and adverse experiences during the pandemic.

Results

Anxiety, worry, and stress over, rather than direct consequences of, COVID-19 were most consistently associated with self-reported increased eating. Largely, these fell into the stressor categories of environmental threat and social isolation, not recurring disruptions. Body mass index and current self-reported eating pathology symptoms were also consistently associated with these outcomes.

Conclusions

These correlational findings suggest specific stressors have pronounced influences on eating behavior of U.S. adults. Remotely deliverable stress mitigation strategies should be explored to attenuate increased eating.

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