**Background:** The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with widespread mental health deterioration, including exacerbation of feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) in clinical populations. However, the impact on dysfunctional eating behaviours (DEB) in the general population without pre-existing FEDs has received less attention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of FED symptoms and DEB during the pandemic, assess changes from pre-pandemic levels, and examine correlations with psychological distress.
**Methods:** A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, PsychInfo, EMBASE, and SCOPUS was conducted for studies published from January 2020 to March 2022. Eligible studies were original articles in English with empirical data on FED core symptoms or DEB in the general population during the pandemic, using cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional designs. A total of 186 studies (406,076 participants; 65.2% female; mean age 33.54; mean BMI 25.25) were included. Meta-analyses used random-effects models to estimate pooled prevalence, standardized mean differences (SMD) for change, and correlation coefficients (r) for associations with psychological distress. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics, and moderators (e.g., age, sex, wave of pandemic, country) were examined via meta-regression and subgroup analyses. Quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.
**Key Results:** During the pandemic, pooled prevalences were: binge eating 40% (95% CI 0.25–0.55), overeating 40% (0.32–0.48), body image concerns 52% (0.38–0.66), emotional eating 33% (0.26–0.41), weight gain 33% (0.31–0.36), snacking 31% (0.26–0.36), food restriction 28% (0.16–0.41), excessive physical activity 25% (0.20–0.31), weight loss 20% (0.18–0.22), and night eating 8% (0.05–0.11). Significant publication bias was noted for several outcomes. For change from pre-pandemic to pandemic, only weight gain showed a significant increase (k=8, SMD=0.052, 95% CI 0.03–0.08, p<0.001, I²=0%). No significant changes were found for food restriction or excessive exercise. Psychological distress was positively correlated with weight gain (r=0.28, 95% CI 0.11–0.44), body image concerns (r=0.20, 95% CI 0.00–0.40), overeating (r=0.36, 95% CI 0.08–0.06), and emotional eating (r=0.30, 95% CI 0.22–0.38). Moderation analyses indicated that female gender and younger age were associated with higher risk for certain symptoms.
**Clinical Implications:** The high prevalence of FED symptoms and DEB in the general population during the pandemic underscores the need for public health surveillance and early intervention strategies targeting subthreshold eating pathology. The significant correlation with psychological distress suggests that mental health support may mitigate worsening eating behaviours. The lack of clear longitudinal change for most symptoms highlights the need for further prospective studies to identify vulnerable groups and long-term trajectories. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for increased eating disorder risk even in individuals without prior diagnoses, particularly among women and younger adults.