Although anorexia is commonly associated with those in their teens, research from Cygnet Health Care reveals that a large number of older women are suffering in silence with the condition.

According to the research, women who do develop anorexia in their adult life are likely to have suffered with the eating disorder for many years previously, usually since they were in their teens or early twenties, said Dr Peter Rowan, a consultant at Cygnet Health Care.

The study claims that women over 40 are increasingly exposed to images of ‘stick-thin’ older ladies, including the likes of Madonna, Teri Hatcher and Jane Fonda- who has admitted to suffering with an eating disorder in her past. Such images are putting pressure on women over 40 to fight against the ageing process no matter what the cost.

However unrealistic images of older women are not entirely to blame. According to Rowan there are two main causes behind the rise in over 40 anorexics. Firstly, anorexia became a common problem from the 60’s onwards and these sufferers are now older. Rowan believes that many of these women may not have sought help at the time and their illness was therefore allowed to resurface later in life.

Secondly the illness has become more acceptable over the past two decades and those with the condition are more likely to acknowledge it. 

“In the main, women are likely to grow out of an eating disorder if it is fairly mild but the increasing focus of women on their appearance as they get older may influence this trend adversely,” says Rowan.

Frighteningly older women are apparently more skilful at hiding their battle with anorexia, despite improvements in the medical profession to spot those suffering with eating disorders.

“Most women who present with a chronic form of anorexia later in life have been ill for many years. They are often not really wanting full recovery but help to live with their eating disorder in a more healthy way,” says Rowan.

“Treatment needs to be individually tailored to their needs but is usually on an outpatient basis.”

Treatment may consist of cognitive behavioural therapy and for severely underweight patients a short admission to increase weight.

For more information on anorexia go to: About Anorexia: Anorexia Information

For more information on eating disorders go to: Eating Disorders