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. 2017 Nov;30(6):446-451.
doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000356.

Epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders in men and women of middle and older age

Barbara Mangweth-Matzek  1 , Hans W Hoek
Affiliations

Epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders in men and women of middle and older age

Barbara Mangweth-Matzek et al. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose of review: We summarized recent literature on the epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders in middle-aged and older women and men.

Recent findings: The prevalence of eating disorders according to DSM-5 criteria is around 3.5% in older (>40 years) women and around 1-2% in older men. The majority of those eating disordered persons are not in treatment. There are new terms like 'perimenopausal eating disorders' and 'muscularity-oriented eating disorders' indicating the impact of the aging process and sex-specific differences.

Summary: Disordered eating and eating disorders occur in both women and men of all ages. Medical complications because of age, the stigma of eating disorders in a still 'untypical' age, and the glorification of sports activity often hinder the recognition of eating disorders in midlife and older persons. Treatment approaches should consider treatment strategies tailored for older women and men, addressing the context of midlife and aging.

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References

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    2. The study examined the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of eating disorders in a large sample of 5658 midlife women from the United Kingdom based on a two-stage methodological approach. The authors found a 12-month prevalence rate of eating disorders of 3.6% (3.0–4.4%, 95% CI) in the 40–50-year-old women, displaying OSFED as the most prevalent one (1.7%). These women reported an overall lifetime prevalence of eating disorders of 15.3% (13.5–17.4%, 95% CI).