Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, and Body Image in Midlife and Older Women

We review the evidence for the reported increase in disordered eating and body image disturbance occurring in women in middle age and later life. We describe the contributing factors that relate to the unique experience of eating disorders (EDs) at midlife and beyond. We review evidence for several key factors in this observation, specifically the bio-psycho-social and relational components of later life EDs. We present treatment considerations, screening tools for evaluation, and treatment recommendations for this special population suffering with EDs.

Eating disorder symptoms and body image preoccupation have been identified in increasing numbers of women over age 50. Reports indicate that women are seeking treatment for chronic, recurrent, or late onset EDs. However, health care providers generally have not screened for these conditions, and often pursue other medical diagnoses. Age does not immunize women from body image preoccupation, weight and shape concerns, disordered eating, and eating disorders.