Do Only Teen Girls Suffer from Eating Disorder?

 

Eating disorders are a growing concern in Australia, impacting more than 1.1 million people, or 4.5% of the population. Beyond the immediate health effects, eating disorders can result in serious long-term physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. While media and public health messaging often emphasize adolescent girls as the most affected demographic, new research suggests that body image concerns and eating disorders are prevalent across a broader age spectrum. Adult women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s are also at high risk, and many remain underdiagnosed and underserved by the healthcare system.

The Broader Scope of the Issue

In addition to those diagnosed with eating disorders, more than 4.1 million Australians (18.9%) experience body dissatisfaction—a significant risk factor. When we think of someone with an eating disorder, the common image is a thin, teenage girl. However, this stereotype overlooks a large portion of the population dealing with body image issues and disordered eating behaviors, particularly adult women.

A recent report by The Butterfly Foundation highlights this broader issue:

Age Group	Prevalence of Body Image Concerns
15–17 (Teenage Girls)	39.90%
35–44 (Adult Women)	32.60%
55–64 (Older Women)	35.70%

These numbers challenge the notion that eating disorders and body dissatisfaction are confined to youth.

The Three Ps: Risk Periods for Women

Researchers categorize women’s heightened vulnerability into three key life stages, referred to as the "Three Ps":

1.       Puberty (Teenagers)

2.       Pregnancy (30s)

3.       Perimenopause and Menopause (40s–50s)

1. Puberty

Hormonal changes during puberty often result in changes in body composition, which can increase anxiety about physical appearance. Peer pressure, media influence, and increased responsibilities further compound stress levels. A review of studies involving children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 found that 30% of girls exhibited disordered eating patterns compared to 17% of boys.

2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, about 7.5% of women are estimated to have eating disorders, and nearly 70% express dissatisfaction with their postpartum body. The physical changes, identity shifts, and societal expectations to quickly "bounce back" contribute to rising disordered eating behaviors.

3. Perimenopause and Menopause

More than 73% of midlife women aged 42–52 report being unsatisfied with their body weight. Hormonal changes, aging, and shifting identity perceptions during this time can lead to heightened body dissatisfaction. Prevalence rates of eating disorders in women over 40 are around 3.5%, and 1–2% in men of the same age group.

Psychological and Biological Drivers

While the biological changes due to fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play a role, psychological stressors are equally influential. Each stage of the Three Ps represents a transitional period in a woman's life, often involving changes in role, identity, and societal expectations.

For instance:

·         A teenager may face increased pressure from peers and school.

·         A pregnant woman might juggle motherhood, work, and family expectations.

·         A menopausal woman could be navigating multi-generational caregiving responsibilities.

These stressors contribute to the development or exacerbation of eating disorders, often leading women to engage in restrictive dieting, binge eating, or purging behaviors.

Why Health Services Are Falling Short

Despite the clear need, healthcare systems continue to focus disproportionately on adolescents. Research led by Gemma Sharp revealed that women with eating disorders during menopause often felt overlooked and misunderstood by healthcare professionals. This neglect is largely due to the persistent stereotype that eating disorders primarily affect young girls.

A significant gap exists in training and resources for healthcare providers to recognize and treat eating disorders in adult and older women. This gap discourages many from seeking help due to fear of stigma or invalidation.

Recommendations for Change

To address this hidden epidemic, several actions are necessary:

1.       Expand Awareness: Public health campaigns must acknowledge that eating disorders can affect women at any age.

2.       Train Healthcare Professionals: Improved education and training are needed to help healthcare providers recognize symptoms in adult women.

3.       Age-Inclusive Policy and Research: Government and non-profit organizations must ensure that prevention and treatment strategies are inclusive of all life stages.

4.       Empower Women to Seek Help: Reducing stigma through community education will encourage more women to pursue diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Eating disorders are not confined to adolescence. The Three Ps—puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause/menopause—are all critical periods that elevate risk among women. By understanding the biological, psychological, and societal factors, we can shift the narrative and expand support systems for those in need. Investing in inclusive research, health education, and professional training is vital to ensure that no woman, regardless of age, is left behind.

References

1.       The Butterfly Foundation. (2023). "State of Body Image Report."

2.       Gemma Sharp et al. (2022). "Midlife Women's Experience of Eating Disorders."

3.       Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). "Eating Disorders in Australia."

4.       Smink, F. R., Van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2012). "Epidemiology of Eating Disorders."

5.       Pormezz, S. (2021). "Body Image and Pregnancy."