Expert: "Eating disorders are the deadliest mental illnesses and premature death is very common."
It's National Eating Disorders Awareness Week from Feb. 26 – March 3. There is a lot of helpful information available on how younger and younger kids are struggling with eating disorders, how 5-year-old girls are complaining they are "fat," and how boys are now struggling in significant numbers with one of the deadliest mental illnesses there is.
What you probably have not read, seen or heard much about is the increase in eating disorders among older people, particularly women. There was so little information, in fact, that I checked in with the folks at Eating Recovery Center, where I have gotten a lot of expert advice on eating disorders. Turns out, they are seeing a real upswing in cases of older people struggling with eating disorders and thought it was a great topic to explore.
Dr. Emmett Bishop, MD, FAED, CEDS, founding partner and medical director of adult services at Eating Recovery Center, was kind enough to take time to help educate me – and now you – on this silent but significant issue.
Q: What do we know about the numbers of eating disorders among the adult/aging population? (Any numbers and age breakdowns would be helpful for context.)
Dr. Bishop: "Unfortunately, data is limited in this area. In fact, I'm not aware of any data that specifically speaks to the adult/aging population. At Eating Recovery Center, we have been particularly interested in this because of the upsurge of patients we have seen here. A 2006 study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that among a randomly selected nonclinical sample of 1,000 women, aged 60–70 years, more than 80 percent controlled their weight and more than 60 percent stated body dissatisfaction. Eighteen women met criteria for eating disorders and 21 reported single symptoms of an eating disorder."
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Q: What are the myths surrounding eating disorders in older people and what are the facts? (to dispel the myths)
¨Dr. Bishop: "The biggest myth is that this group does not have eating disorders. Although this group has flown under the radar, we are seeing quite a few women in treatment in their 40s, 50s and 60s. We even recently treated an 80-year-old woman."
Q: Describe the signs/symptoms family members should look for, especially in their elderly relatives and friends.
Dr. Bishop: "The signs and symptoms of an eating disorder are very similar to what you would see in the younger group: weight loss, avoiding situations where food will be available, excessive exercise, obsessions with calories and weight, using the bathroom directly after a meal and becoming more secretive or withdrawn. The biggest problem I have seen with the older group is people "blowing off" symptoms because the individual displaying them has behaved that way for a long time. Oftentimes, friends and family will say "that's just they way she is" until they see their loved one begin to develop medical complications."
Q: If you suspect an older loved one has an eating disorder, what should you do?
Dr. Bishop: "We see a lot of middle-aged patients entering treatment on their own because they feel like they are bad role models for their teenaged daughters. Many elderly individuals will seek treatment once they have experienced a medical complication. The goal is to help them get treatment before medical issues happen.
If you are worried, try to find a neutral setting in which to speak with your loved one. Express your concerns using non-judgmental language. Point out behaviors that you have noticed but do your best not to blame or shame. Offer to help your loved one seek treatment from a qualified professional. If expressing your concerns does not work, try to get as many people as you can together, express your concerns for your loved one's health and try to get him or her into treatment."
In Aging and Anorexia Part II, we will explore the differences between eating disorders in younger women and older women, and share resources for where to find information and help.
Learn More about Eating Disorders and Students here:
Important Advice About Your College Student and Eating Disorders
Parents: 10 Winter Break Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Your College Students
