Disordered eating is commonly associated with teenagers and young adults, but it affects people at every stage of life, including middle-aged and older adults. Individuals in their 40s, 50s and beyond can face unique pressures and challenges that may trigger or exacerbate disordered eating behaviors. Unfortunately, these issues often go unrecognized in middle-aged and older adults, as signs of disordered eating are mistaken for natural aging or overshadowed by other health concerns.

For both middle-aged and older adults, disordered eating can take many forms, including restrictive diets, binge eating, obsessive thoughts about food and weight, or unhealthy compensatory behaviors. Understanding the signs and symptoms of disordered eating in these populations, as well as the factors that contribute to its development, is essential for caregivers, family members and healthcare providers.

Several factors contribute to the development of disordered eating in middle-aged and older adults. While some of these triggers are similar to those experienced by younger individuals, many are unique to this stage of life:

1. Life Transitions and Major Changes: Middle-aged and older adults often face significant life changes, such as divorce, retirement, empty nests or the loss of a spouse. These transitions can cause emotional upheaval and lead individuals to use food and body control as a way to cope with feelings of loss, uncertainty or loneliness.
2. Health Concerns: As people age, they may encounter new health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, which can prompt them to become overly restrictive with their diets or develop unhealthy eating habits. In middle age, there can also be heightened concerns about weight gain and physical appearance, especially with hormonal changes like menopause in women or declining testosterone levels in men.
3. Body Image and Aging: Middle-aged and older adults are not immune to body image concerns. For some, the physical changes that come with aging—such as weight gain, loss of muscle tone or sagging skin—can lead to dissatisfaction with their appearance. In a culture that often glorifies youth and thinness, older adults may feel pressure to achieve a certain body size or shape, leading to unhealthy dieting or exercise habits.
4. Mental Health and Emotional Coping: Anxiety, depression and grief are common in both middle-aged and older adults, especially those dealing with the stress of caregiving, career shifts or personal loss. Disordered eating can become a coping mechanism to manage these emotions, offering a sense of control when other aspects of life feel unpredictable or overwhelming.
5. Diet Culture and Societal Pressures: Middle-aged adults are often inundated with messages about weight loss and healthy aging, whether through social media, advertisements or conversations with peers. The pressure to maintain a youthful appearance or stay “fit” can lead some to adopt extreme diets or engage in disordered eating behaviors.

Disordered eating can have serious consequences for middle-aged and older adults, including malnutrition, weakened bones, increased risk of falls, and compromised immune function. The emotional toll of disordered eating can contribute to depression, anxiety and social isolation.

Early detection is critical to preventing these long-term effects. Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including therapy, nutrition counseling and medical support. For middle-aged and older adults, it’s important to address both the physical and psychological aspects of disordered eating to ensure a full recovery.

Brian Pollack, LCSW, CEDS-S is an adjunct professor at Yeshiva University, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and owner of Hilltop Behavioral Health. His work encompasses advocacy, national keynote presentations, and continued education surrounding the treatment and prevention of eating disorders.