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How Older Women Can Recover From an Eating Disorder in Middle Age
“Recovery doesn’t have an age limit. Every step you take toward healing is an act of courage and self-love.”
How Older Women Can Recover From an Eating Disorder in Middle Age
Young women often come to mind when there is a discussion about eating disorders.
They are not the only cohorts struggling with unhealthy eating habits, however. Many women in their middle age and beyond also have an unhealthy relationship with food.
More than 9 million women above the age of 40 have a binge eating disorder. Some women experience a return of past issues. Others develop an eating disorder for the first time in their 40s or older.
No matter whether you’re suffering from anorexia nervosa or a restrictive food-eating disorder, recovery is possible. Here, we’ll share how you can build a healthier, happier relationship with food and self.
Why are older women more vulnerable to eating disorders in midlife?
The idea that eating disorders are common in midlife might surprise some. But it’s more common than you realize.
Research has found that 2.1% to 7.7% of older female persons have a full eating disorder diagnosis. Even those in their 50s are vulnerable to eating disorders. Over 1 in 10 women above the age of 50 experience symptoms of an eating disorder.
This begs the question: What makes older women more vulnerable to eating disorders in midlife? There are numerous reasons.
1. Hormonal shifts and body changes
Midlife brings significant body changes. Metabolism naturally slows down as women age. Hormonal shifts from perimenopause and menopause play a big role in these changes. These shifts can lead to weight gain or changes in body shape.
Women, for instance, may gain about half a kilo per year during perimenopause without hormone therapy. These physical changes often intensify existing body image concerns.
The physical changes of aging, especially hormonal shifts during menopause, create a biological ‘window of vulnerability’ for eating disorders. This means that even if someone never had a binge eating disorder before, midlife changes can trigger one.
2. Life’s big changes and emotional triggers
Children may leave home, leading to “empty nest” syndrome. Aging parents might need care, adding new responsibilities. Questions about mortality and life’s meaning can also arise.
These stressors can bring on anxiety, depression, and stress. Eating can become a way to cope with these intense emotions. They push individuals to use eating disorder behaviors as a maladaptive coping mechanism for distress. Food can then become a false way to regain some control over one’s life.
3. Body image shifts
Our culture often obsesses over youth and thinness. This puts immense pressure on women as they get older.
It’s no surprise that nearly three-quarters of women aged 50 and older are trying to lose weight. Many in this age group express dissatisfaction with their current weight and shape compared to their younger selves. A significant number are also particularly unhappy with their stomachs.
This stress can trigger or re-ignite disordered eating behaviors. It becomes a way to cope or to regain a sense of control over their changing bodies.
Tips to recover from an eating disorder in middle age and beyond
1. Don’t obsess over numbers
Eating disorders often make a person obsess over numbers. You might focus on weight, calories, or clothing sizes. But true healing means looking beyond these figures.
Instead of focusing on weight or calorie counts, direct your attention to your overall well-being.
Throw out the scale if you can. At this stage of life, your relationship with numbers needs to change completely. Your weight will naturally fluctuate more due to hormonal changes, medication effects, and slower metabolism.
Similarly, calorie counting creates a rigid, unhealthy, and obsessive focus on food content.
Avoid looking at nutrition labels as well. Cover them up or repack food. Do not weigh your food. Instead, work towards normal food habits: eat regularly, enjoy a variety of foods, and learn to listen to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues.
2. Seek out age-appropriate support
Most eating disorder resources are designed for teenagers and young adults, which can make you feel invisible or like your struggles don’t matter.
All is not lost, though. Some treatment centers have recognized this need and offer programs specifically for midlife and older adults.
You can also look for therapists or dietitians with experience in treating older adults. They can provide care that aligns with where you are in life.
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) can also help you break free from the habit of disordered eating. According to Cleveland State University, PMHNPs focus on providing holistic mental healthcare and building strong therapeutic relationships for patients with acute and chronic mental health disorders.
Many people opt for an online PMHNP program. Of course, flexibility and convenience are the reasons behind this. And yes, even those trained online are well-equipped to help individuals break free from disordered eating with compassion and expertise.
Just make sure to check for reviews before you start working with any to know if they are experienced enough.
3. Address the deeper issues or emotional triggers
Eating disorders often develop as unhealthy ways to cope with stressful situations or trauma.
Profound grief, the loss of independence, or other major life changes can trigger a binge-eating disorder in midlife.
The first step to recovery is to be aware of what sets off disordered eating. Journaling can help individuals spot patterns in their emotional responses. Noting feelings and what is eaten can reveal important connections.
A therapist can also guide you through this process and help you uncover the deeper emotional layers contributing to your eating behaviors.
Whether it’s long-held beliefs about body image or unresolved past trauma, bringing those feelings into the light can be healing. Beyond awareness, professionals can also teach you healthier ways to cope, like mindfulness, grounding techniques, or self-compassion practices
4. Rebuild your relationship with food slowly and steadily
Eating disorders often thrive on very strict food rules. A key step in healing is to replace these rigid rules with more flexible and gentle guidelines.
Forget everything you think you know about good and bad foods. Your body needs adequate nutrition to function well, especially as you age. So, eat regular meals, including foods from all food groups, and listen to your hunger and fullness cues.
Don’t rush, though. Follow the slow-and-steady approach when reintroducing foods. This will help you unlearn the deep-seated fears and habits that you have picked up after years of disordered eating. This builds new, healthy associations with eating, making long-term recovery more achievable.
A structured meal plan can ease anxiety around food choices. It helps reduce impulsive eating behaviors. Working with a dietitian is highly beneficial. They can guide you on balanced nutrition. Dietitians also help safely challenge the fear of foods that the eating disorder once controlled.
Remember, recovery is possible
It is never too late to seek help for an eating disorder. Recovery is a real and achievable goal even if you’re in your peak 50s.
Just take that first step to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional and everything will change. You deserve a full and joyful life, free from the grip of an eating disorder. So, be kind and gentle with yourself throughout this process.
