The surprising prevalence of eating disorders among older women

A new study finds that it's not just impressionable and insecure teenagers who are vulnerable. Why are so many older women also at risk?

Major mid-life stresses, from divorce to caring for elder parents, are pushing women over 50 into risky eating behavior.
(Image credit: Thinkstock/Ron Chapple Studios)

Eating disorders among teenagers have been much scrutinized and publicized. But a new study — the first of its kind — found that problems with diet and body image are also quite common among women over 50. What accounts for this troubling news, and what can be done to help? Here, a brief guide:

How common are eating disorders among older women?

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