Teenage eating disorders resurface during middle age

According to new studies, women who suffered with eating disorders in their younger years can fall prey to the condition again whenever they are under severe mental stress. Although several women get through their middle age without having to endure eating disorders, others who go through a tough life like failed marriages and unhappy family can trigger the problem and can be bigger than before. In other words, the researchers have said, that the problem of eating disorder is a lifelong one, despite the fact that the manifestations change from one woman to another.

Study shows increase in women with eating disorders

The study has shown an alarming increase in the number of middle aged women who are inflicted with eating disorders. Further probe into the past of these women revealed that all of them had gone through the problem in their adolescence. Vice president of The Renfrew Center and director of the out-patient services, Douglas Bunnell, said that eating disorders do not suddenly appear in mid-life. The reason is more deep-rooted and exists in the subconscious. In the recent years, there has been a 42% increase in the number of women falling prey to mid life eating disorder. Women require clinical help to combat the problem.

Treatment for eating disorders altered based on age

Based on this study, the treatment for middle aged women with eating disorders has been altered. The trigger in each case is different and hence, the treatment can be effective only when it is customized. Bunnell said that women who face severe emotional problems in the mid life find solace in not eating. Giving up food becomes a way of dealing with stress and anxiety. This study has ascertained the fact that women do not completely grow out of eating disorders. However, if they do not face emotional turmoil, the disorder might as well never surface.

Statistics of the study

The statistics that were accumulated over a decade showed that out of the 2287 teenagers who were considered for the study, almost 20.4% showed an increase in the incidence of eating disorders when exposed to stress. These were the very girls who were observed to go through difficult weight loss regimes in order to keep in shape.

Experts confirm results

The results of the study were correlated by eminent psychologists such as David Sarwer. He said that most of the women who sprout eating disorders in their middle age have gone through a tough teenage period. When exposed to stress, the disorders comes back in ful force and becomes more dangerous than before.