Eating disorders - not just teens

Diet, cheat, repent, repeat.  We’ve all seen the cycle of dieting.  But sometimes, dieting can go too far.  Disordered eating is characterized by abnormal eating habits and includes anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.  These disorders are more common in women than men, but some sports (such as wrestling or boxing) may increase the risk in men.Those with eating disorders often exhibit depression and anxiety over their weights and may be afraid to eat.  Individuals with eating disorders may skip meals or starve them-selves to lose weight.  Some may eat large quantities of food (in secret) then compensate for binge eating behavior by vomiting, using laxatives or working out excessively.  Eating disordered patients are more likely to develop substance abuse problems than individuals with normal eating patterns.  Being a teenager in the 80’s, I knew my share of girls with eating disorders.  They were the beautiful cheerleaders, gymnasts, dancers and overachievers in my class with perfectionist issues who had to starve, vomit, take laxatives and exercise non-stop to achieve a ridiculous size 2.  I always felt sorry for them thinking “someday they will accept themselves for who they are”.  Most of them (if not all) were never overweight to begin with and likely ruined their health and psychological well-being through excessive dieting and exercise.Sadly, eating disorders are on the rise- but in a completely different age group.  Perhaps you’ve seen the overly thin mom in the grocery store with her normal (or even overweight) daughters?  According to University of North Carolina research, unhealthy eating practices are on the rise in women over 50.  Approximately 1800 women participated in a Gender and Body Image Study.  In the female subjects over 50, almost 27% were obese, 29% were overweight, 42% were normal weight and 2% were underweight. The results of the study also found that approximately 4% of the women binge, about 8% purge (vomit) and 70% were regularly dieting to lose weight.  Additionally, about 36% percent spent about half their time in the previous five years dieting, 40% weighed themselves at least twice per week and 41% check their body size on a daily basis.  Surprisingly, 62% said their body weights had a negative impact on their life, 79% claimed it hurt their self-image and 64% said they think about their weight daily.If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of an eating disorder, don’t just blow it off.  Seek help from a qualified professional.  Eating disorders are typically treated by a team of professionals including your medical doctor, a registered dietitian and qualified counselor or therapist.  With help, women of all ages, shapes and sizes can learn more body acceptance.