Health
Gender dysphoria and eating disorders have skyrocketed since pandemic, report reveals: ‘Ripple effects’
Mental health diagnoses in children have skyrocketed since the COVID pandemic — led by gender dysphoria and eating disorders, according to a new report.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions analyzed medical claims data submitted between 2019 and 2023 for patients under age 18.
Overall, mental health claims rose 83% among young people in that time frame.
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By comparison, gender identity-related diagnoses spiked 133% and eating disorders rose 108%.
Phobic disorders also increased by 77%, as did claims for developmental disorders.
Mental health diagnoses in children have skyrocketed since the pandemic — led by gender dysphoria and eating disorders, according to a new report. (iStock)
“Americans are in the midst of a mental health crisis, which lingered well before and was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the researchers wrote in the report.
“The initial trauma and continued ripple effects from the pandemic are still negatively impacting Americans’ mental health, particularly teens and young adults.”
Why the spike in gender dysphoria?
Multiple factors have led to the sharp uptick in gender dysphoria, according to Abbey Jo Schrage, a licensed psychotherapist who runs her own practice in Idaho and provides virtual mental health services.
“The first is the simple fact of awareness of gender identity issues,” she told Fox News Digital.
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“Youth have newfound, and constant, access to information and language regarding issues such as gender identity via countless apps and websites.”
She added, “Another factor is the increasing cultural and social acceptance of expressions regarding gender identity.”
One licensed clinical social worker attributes the spike in cases to three factors: awareness, normalization and increased acceptance. (iStock)
Jonathan Levine, a licensed clinical social worker who works with Equip in Pennsylvania, attributes the spike in cases to three factors: awareness, normalization and increased acceptance.
“As it has become more normal to explore gender as a construct in society, people have become more comfortable exploring their own gender as individuals,” he told Fox News Digital.
“The initial trauma and continued ripple effects from the pandemic are still negatively impacting Americans’ mental health, particularly teens and young adults.”
“Kids and adolescents naturally have a curiosity about themselves, and so much of childhood is exploring who you are and your values … It’s natural for young adults to be curious about their own identity, and it’s safer for the youth to explore their own than it has been in the past.”
Parents and communities can support children by listening to them without judgment or arguing, according to Schrage.
A supportive family can be life-saving for young people with gender dysphoria, an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
They should also “appropriately filter content” for their children’s age level, she added.
“What a child is exposed to must be developmentally appropriate and not usher in premature confusion,” Schrage warned.
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Adam Mariano, a Philadelphia-based president and general manager of health care for LexisNexis Risk Solutions, suggests providing “safe spaces” for youth to engage, ask questions and share information.
“Providing clear, age-appropriate information and context will ensure that children are not isolated and made to feel fearful,” he told Fox News Digital.
Mental health claims among children rose 83% between 2019 and 2023. (iStock)
A supportive family can be life-saving for youth with gender dysphoria, according to Levine.
“A strong and affirming family support system has been demonstrated to decrease suicidality in TGE youth by up to 82% and suicide attempts from 57% to 4%,” he said.
Why the spike in eating disorders?
Exposure to “idealized and altered bodies” alongside methods of achieving these unrealistic physical features is at an all-time high, Schrage noted.
“Many of my youth patients report spending between four and six hours per day of scrolling and comparing themselves to others each day,” she told Fox News Digital.
There was a sharp increase in eating disorders during the pandemic, according to Levine.
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“While there is no one reason why people develop an eating disorder, a common theme for many is a desire to feel control,” he said.
“The pandemic made so many people feel alone, isolated and unable to control their surroundings, all of which led to a ton of mental health woes, eating disorders included.”
Social media also plays a role in normalizing one type of body for all people, Levine noted.
Social media plays a role in normalizing one type of body for all people, according to mental health experts. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)
“The constant onslaught of messaging around beauty standards, body ideals, diet culture and a chaotic world are all factors that contribute to an increase in eating disorders among youth.”
To help young people who are struggling with eating disorders, Schrage said parents and the community should set appropriate limits on time and exposure to unrealistic images and media.
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“Parents should also prioritize meals together, model healthy eating behaviors and verbalize their own sense of self,” she advised.
“Furthermore, giving their children feedback on internal qualities — such as their character and personality — more than outward physical and performance markers helps them develop a balanced, realistic sense of self.”
Parents and communities can support children by listening to them without judgment or arguing, according to one expert. (iStock)
Parents and family members should also watch out for warning signs, Levine said, such as increased exercise, dieting, avoidance of certain food groups and an increased focus on body image.
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“Normalize an ‘all foods fit’ dietary lifestyle, where every food is safe to eat, and there are no such things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods,” he advised.
“Focusing on supporting youth in creating an expansive life that is bigger than what their body looks like is important.”
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As winter weather moves in, cozy essentials like scarves, plush throws and heated bedding become everyday comforts.
But dermatologists caution that these cold-weather favorites can secretly undermine skin health — trapping sweat and bacteria, causing irritation and exposing the skin to excess heat.
Choosing the right materials for wellness — and using them safely — can make a big difference.
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Here are five winter must-haves and gift ideas, with expert tips on how to keep skin healthy and happy while staying warm this season.
Soft scarf, $19.99, Amazon.com
Scarves made of natural fiber, like this one that is 100% cotton, may help if you’re prone to irritation. (Amazon)
A soft scarf is a staple for cold days and an easy way to elevate a winter outfit.
Yet, if breakouts are appearing along the neck, jawline or chest, that favorite accessory may be part of the problem.
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“You should wash your scarf as often as your clothes to prevent breakouts,” Annabelle Taurua, a beauty expert at Fresha, a beauty and wellness booking platform headquartered in London, told Fox News Digital.
Cotton is a better choice than polyester, she also noted, as it’s more breathable and allows sweat to evaporate.
Fluffy blankets, $28.97, Potterybarn.com
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin — which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth. (Pottery Barn)
Fluffy blankets make for perfect cozy days at home, but their soft fibers can trap sweat, oils and dead skin, which can clog pores and encourage bacteria growth.
Rough textures or infrequent washing can also irritate sensitive skin and worsen breakouts.
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“Regularly wash your blankets, especially those made from synthetic or fluffy materials, to remove built-up oils and dirt,” Taurua advised.
She recommended breathable materials like cotton or linen, as well as hypoallergenic options for anyone prone to irritation.
Good set of sheets, $49.99, Amazon.com
Much like scarves, natural fibers are the way to go for your linens to avoid irritation. (iStock)
Cold weather makes lingering in bed especially tempting, but lying on unwashed bedding can worsen acne.
Pillowcases and sheets quickly collect oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, which transfer directly onto the face.
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“Washing bedding frequently is important,” Taurua said. “You should aim to change and wash your pillowcases every two to three days and your sheets at least once a week.”
Heated blanket, $33.99, Walmart.com
Heated blankets are a great way to stay warm during the winter. (Walmart)
When using a heated blanket, start with the lowest heat setting and limit use, said Taurua.
“Once you’re warm, switch to a regular blanket,” she advised.
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She also said it’s best to avoid direct contact for long periods to reduce irritation.
Hot water bottle, $12.99, Amazon.com
A traditional winter staple, hot water bottles offer quick comfort — but they come with risks similar to heated blankets, including burns, scalding and long-term heat-related skin damage.
Hot water bottles should never be filled with boiling water, experts advise. (Amazon)
“Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water,” Taurua said.
“Only use hot, not boiling, water, and fill it to a maximum of two-thirds.”
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She recommended wrapping the bottle in a towel or cover to avoid direct skin contact and limiting use to around 20 minutes.
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Comedian Amy Schumer, 44, has recently come clean about her struggle with Cushing’s syndrome, leading to a dramatic weight loss.
Schumer’s transformation has sparked conversation online, to which she responded in a now-deleted Instagram post that shut down speculation about cosmetic enhancements.
“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” she emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler.
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Schumer doubled down that her weight loss was not about her appearance, but about staying alive.
“Not to look hot, which does feel fun and temporary,” she said. “I did it to survive. I had a disease that makes your face extremely puffy that can kill you, but the internet caught it and that disease has cleared.”
Amy Schumer attends Variety’s 2024 Power of Women: New York event on May 2, 2024, in New York City on the left. On the right, Schumer later poses for a photo posted to Instagram after her weight loss. (Marleen Moise/WireImage; Amy Schumer/Instagram)
“Sorry for whatever feeling it’s giving you that I lost that weight,” she added. “I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro]. Sorry to anyone they let down. I’m pain free. I can [play] tag with my son.”
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The actress also addressed her shifting hormones, saying that she’s “happy to share more if anyone has any questions about how I’m looking or feeling or where I am in my perimenopause process.”
“I didn’t lose 30lbs — I lost 50,” Schumer emphasized on social media, adding that she does not get Botox or filler. (Amy Schumer/Instagram)
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Schumer previously revealed that she had been diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder that can cause extreme swelling, fatigue and potentially fatal complications.
Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss specialist in New Jersey, provided more details on the condition in an interview with Fox News Digital.
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“Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged, high exposure to cortisol, which is your body’s main stress hormone,” he said. “Usually, the excess cortisol is a result of prolonged steroid use. We see this many times with patients who have some autoimmune disorder.”
Balazs said the “key” to Cushing’s syndrome is not just weight gain, but a “specific redistribution” of fat caused by too much cortisol.
Amy Schumer is photographed during a guest interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Feb. 13, 2024 (left), and later seen walking through midtown New York City on Oct. 28, 2025 (right). (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images; Raymond Hall/GC Images/Getty Images)
Fat may be driven to the abdomen, chest, upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”) or face, sometimes considered “moon face,” the doctor said.
Cortisol also breaks down protein, which leads to a thinning in the arms and legs. “Weight gain can be tough, involuntary and hard to manage,” Balazs added.
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Cortisol stimulates “hunger centers” in the brain, raises blood sugar and promotes fat storage, especially deep belly fat, according to the doctor.
Cushing’s syndrome can also cause high blood pressure, bone loss and sometimes type 2 diabetes, per Mayo Clinic.
In addition to weight gain in certain areas, other symptoms may include pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts and underarms, as well as acne, slow wound healing, and thin, frail skin that bruises easily.
With Cushing’s syndrome, fat may accumulate in the abdomen, chest, face or upper back (referred to as a “buffalo hump”). (iStock)
Women with Cushing’s syndrome often experience thick, dark hair on the face and body, as well as irregular periods. Symptoms among men can include a lower sex drive, reduced fertility and erectile dysfunction.
Mayo Clinic listed other potential symptoms, including extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, trouble with concentration and memory, headache, sleeplessness, skin darkening and stunted growth in children.
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Those with symptoms should contact their doctor immediately, especially if they are taking steroids to treat health issues like asthma, arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, as these medications can exacerbate the condition.
The Mayo Clinic has reported that the “sooner treatment starts, the better the chances for recovery.”
“I’ve had plastic surgery over the years and I use [Mounjaro],” Schumer stated in a social media post. (George Frey/Bloomberg)
For patients like Schumer, weight loss is typically not the main goal, Balazs noted, but it is a “critical sign” of successful treatment.
“The primary goal is to normalize your high cortisol levels,” he said. “I believe Amy Schumer got treated first for her underlying problem. Once the cortisol is normalized, which is the most important step, there’s a role to use adjunct medications to decrease weight.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Among GLP-1s, Mounjaro is an “excellent choice to decrease deep belly fat and increase insulin sensitivity of cells,” Balazs added.
Fox News Digital’s Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.
Fox News Digital reached out to Schumer’s rep requesting comment.
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