More adult women are developing eating disorders - Brief Article

AORN Journal,  August, 2003  

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An increasing number of women are developing eating disorders in their middle age and older adult years, according to a May 21, 2003, news release from Remuda Ranch Programs for Anorexia and Bulimia. Reasons for the increase may be cultural or specific to individuals. Example of cultural reasons include

* a dramatic increase in youth consciousness,

* celebrity role models who appear to be aging slowly because of cosmetic surgery, and

* the nation's obsession with thinness.

Specific reasons may include life changes, such as

* the death of a relative or friend,

* divorce,

* grown children leaving home, and

* menopause or other signs of aging.

Women who feel that life is out of control may develop eating disorders because they are able to control what they eat and how much they exercise. Many women also become obsessed with diet and exercise as a way to fight the reality of aging.

When an older adult develops an eating disorder, it is more likely to be fatal since the person's body is less resilient and not in optimum health. Eating disorders among older adults also are not always recognized and, therefore, may go untreated. Reasons that older adults develop eating disorders include

* lack of enthusiasm for life,

* attempts to get attention from family members,

* to protest against Living conditions (eg, a nursing home),

* economic hardship, and

* medical problems (eg, lack of appetite due to medications).

Eating Disorders Affecting More Women in Mid-Life (news release, Phoenix: Remuda Ranch Programs for Anorexia and Bulimia, May 21, 2003) http://www.pr newswire.com (accessed 21 May 2003).

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