Eating disorders in middle-aged women 'common'

Conclusion This well-designed cross-sectional analysis used data from an existing longitudinal study to investigate the prevalence of eating disorders in middle-aged women and see what childhood, parenting and personality risk factors were associated with the onset of an eating disorder. The research found that more than 1 in 10 middle aged women experience some form of eating disorder in their lifetime. It found that all potentially harmful childhood life events such as child sexual abuse, death of a carer and parental divorce, were associated with the onset of eating disorders. An association with traumatic life events is definitely plausible, or even likely. However, it must be noted that within the context of observational survey data, such studies are never able to prove that any single exposure causes the development of an eating disorder. This study has not been able to take into account all aspects of a person's mental and physical health, interpersonal relationships and lifestyle prior to the onset of an eating disorder. Therefore the study can show associations but cannot prove definite causation with any individual factor. The researchers say that this research has implications for health service provision in the UK, which needs to recognise that women in mid-life can still be suffering from the effects of long-standing disorders, or be at risk of developing new disorders. Therefore better awareness of eating disorders and their symptoms is needed. Dr. Agnes Ayton...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Mental health Food/diet Source Type: news