Chapter 6 Disordered Eating in Active Middle Aged Women Jacalyn J. Robert-McComb, PhD, FACSM

Learning Objectives After viewing this presentation, you should have an understanding of: The risk factors for developing disordered eating in middle-aged women; The risk factors for developing disordered eating in middle-aged women; Life stressors in midlife that may predispose women to disordered eating; Life stressors in midlife that may predispose women to disordered eating; Thirty something and beyond treatment programs. Thirty something and beyond treatment programs.

Introduction Eating disorders are the most common psychiatric problem affecting young women. Eating disorders are the most common psychiatric problem affecting young women. Research now suggests that more middle-aged women seek treatment for eating disorders Research now suggests that more middle-aged women seek treatment for eating disorders It is not surprising that physically active women of all ages are many times the victims of an eating disorder. It is not surprising that physically active women of all ages are many times the victims of an eating disorder.

Risk Factors for Developing Disordered Eating in Middle-Aged Women Certain environmental stressors and personality traits Certain environmental stressors and personality traits Participation in sports where leanness is emphasized Participation in sports where leanness is emphasized Central role of beauty in femininity Central role of beauty in femininity Media’s emphasis on appearance Media’s emphasis on appearance Physical changes during the lifespan Physical changes during the lifespan

Risk Factors for Developing Disordered Eating in Middle-Aged Women Continued Personality traits Personality traits Low self-esteem Low self-esteem Difficulty in expressing negative emotions Difficulty in expressing negative emotions Difficulty resolving conflict Difficulty resolving conflict Being a perfectionist Being a perfectionist Anxiety-avoidance Anxiety-avoidance

Risk Factors for Developing Disordered Eating in Middle-Aged Women Continued Age Age Fear of aging Fear of aging Middle-aged women concerned with physical appearance Middle-aged women concerned with physical appearance Women’s main goal of exercise is weight loss and toning muscle for attractiveness rather than for health benefits Women’s main goal of exercise is weight loss and toning muscle for attractiveness rather than for health benefits

Life Stressors in Midlife that May Predispose Females to Disordered Eating Life Stressors: Life Stressors: Death of loved one Death of loved one Divorce Divorce A loss of youthfulness A loss of youthfulness Changing appearance Changing appearance Many times women with symptoms of eating disorders in midlife also had eating disorder symptoms in adolescence and early adulthood Many times women with symptoms of eating disorders in midlife also had eating disorder symptoms in adolescence and early adulthood Physical deterioration Empty nest syndrome Abusive relationships

Thirty Something and Beyond Treatment Programs Renfrew Center specializes in treatment of eating disorders and related mental health issues ( Renfrew Center specializes in treatment of eating disorders and related mental health issues ( Treatment includes: Treatment includes: Traditional psychotherapy Traditional psychotherapy Psychiatry Psychiatry Nutritional counseling Nutritional counseling Thirty Something and Beyond (TSAB) is a separate program for women over age 35 Thirty Something and Beyond (TSAB) is a separate program for women over age 35

Thirty Something and Beyond Treatment Programs TSAB offers: TSAB offers: Specialized programs Specialized programs Series entitled Lifespan Challenges composed of four groups Series entitled Lifespan Challenges composed of four groups Wellness Wellness Nutrition Nutrition Exercise and Self-Nurturing Exercise and Self-Nurturing Reclaiming Your Energy Reclaiming Your Energy TSAB has a positive effect on middle-aged women TSAB has a positive effect on middle-aged women

Conclusion Although most attention is given to young female athletes concerning with the triad of disorders (disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and osteoporosis), middle aged women are now seeking treatment for eating disorders. Although most attention is given to young female athletes concerning with the triad of disorders (disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and osteoporosis), middle aged women are now seeking treatment for eating disorders. Even though women may have survived earlier cases of eating disorders, they cannot escape consequences of disordered eating and energy imbalance that results in osteoporosis if undetected. Nearly half of the cases go undetected. Even though women may have survived earlier cases of eating disorders, they cannot escape consequences of disordered eating and energy imbalance that results in osteoporosis if undetected. Nearly half of the cases go undetected.