The Big Story Obesity rates spiked, but what else happened to our bodies during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Jul 23, 2025
Abbey Sharp, a world-renowned Registered Dietitian and TV personality, dives into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body image and obesity rates. She highlights troubling trends in eating disorders, particularly among young women, exacerbated by social media pressures. Abbey critiques the BMI as an outdated measure of health, pushing for more inclusive metrics that consider metabolic health. She emphasizes the need for better access to nutrition experts and advocates for dismantling diet culture to promote a healthier relationship with food.
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Obesity Spike During Pandemic
- Obesity rates in Canada doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most severe obesity classes increasing the most.
- Young adults and women, particularly those aged 18 to 29, saw the greatest relative increase in severe obesity rates.
Women Hit Hardest by Obesity Rise
- Women aged 18 to 29 experienced a larger obesity rate increase than men due to diet culture pressures and stress.
- Pandemic disruptions triggered cycles of binge eating and worsened mental health, increasing disordered eating and obesity.
Personal Eating Disorder During Pandemic
- Maria Kestane shared her personal struggle with an eating disorder which worsened during pandemic lockdown.
- The pandemic forced a wait-and-see moment for many vulnerable women wrestling with weight and food issues.