Eating disorders have long been recognized as a disease that only affects white, adolescent girls.  And while those are often the faces you will see in documentaries and after school specials on the topic, it’s important to know that anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other eating disorders can, and often do, transcend this stereotype.  Not only do eating disorders cross racial, ethnic and gender boundaries, they can also occur outside of the teenage years, developing or recurring during adulthood, mid-life and older adulthood. This may not be surprising considering the “fifty is the new thirty” cultural attitude which seems to keep extending the unrealistic physical demands placed on females by the media.

Adult women struggling with eating disorders can face a unique set of stressors and risks associated with the disease.  Whether they are still battling an untreated eating disorder from adolescence, have had a recurrence of one that was previously under control or have developed one for the first time, the repercussions for themselves and their families can be overwhelming. Marriage, divorce, career, finances, or the death of a loved one can be contributing stressors in an adult woman’s life.  The stress of pregnancy and parenting can be especially triggering, and yet, it is more important than ever at this time in a woman’s life that she is taking care of her body and modeling healthy behavior.  Criticizing herself in the mirror or refusing to eat certain foods, or entire meals, will likely be observed and emulated in the attitudes and behavior of her own children.  Wanting to break this cycle of negative self image and disordered eating can be a significant factor in motivating adult women to seek treatment.

Health complications associated with eating disorders are also likely to catch up with a woman in later adulthood and could motivate her to pursue treatment.  Infertility, osteoporosis and severe tooth decay caused by years of acting on eating disorder symptoms are no longer just warnings from doctors but become painful realities as women age.

In the United States it is estimated that about 10 million women, throughout all ages, struggle with an eating disorder.  Eating disorders can negatively impact all areas of adult life including intimacy, decision-making, social relationships and parenting competence.  The good news is that more and more adult women are reaching out for help and getting the treatment they need to recover.

Want to find out more about this topic? Come hear Trisha Gura the acclaimed author of Lying in Weight: The Hidden Epidemic of Eating Disorders in Adult Women, speak during a special symposium at Sheppard Pratt on Sunday, October 5^th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.  Admission is free but pre-registration is required.  Please call Iris Fisher at (410) 938-3157 to register.

Want to interact with Trisha Gura online? Chat with her live at the Center for Eating Disorders online discussion forum on Sept. 30th at 8 p.m. Check back soon for more details

Written by Kate Clemmer, Outreach Coordinator at The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt