Eating Disorders Of Youth May Continue Into Adulthood

Although thought to be the primary subgroup to suffer from anorexia and bulimia, teen girls are not the only ones who have trouble dealing with eating disorders. Researchers have shown that there is an increase of those in middle age that are seeking treatment, possibly due to adult stressors.

Dr. Ed Tyson, a specialist in the field of eating disorders, says there are several causes. “Some had actual eating disorders (at a young age) …others had aspects of an eating disorder but were never fully treated. Then something happens later in life that stresses them to a point where the eating disorder becomes engaged.”

Some clinics treating people with eating disorders have seen an increase of over 40 percent in middle-aged clientele. Tyson said that anorexia and bulimia are more taxing on the middle aged, and can have a more lasting impact. “Older bodies do not have the plasticity that younger bodies do; they can’t tolerate the stresses and risks.” he said.

Source: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/story/2011-12-29/Eating-disorders-can-last-well-beyond-teen-years/52266762/1
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