When you mention the word anorexia, the average person thinks it impacts white teenage girls. However it impacts people of all ages, races and genders. You don’t hear much about the struggle of anorexia in adulthood. Adults who live with this disorder may be afraid or ashamed to admit it or seek out treatment.  Yet they struggle in silence.

For some people anorexia may be the way they deal with stress, or to gain control over their lives when they are overwhelmed. It may be their coping mechanism. It can resurface during times of stress and transition, or the person may have had it since childhood. Perhaps it went undiagnosed, or the person did not know how to get help.

Anorexia in adulthood has both physical and psychological impacts. However, people may be reluctant to seek out treatment. In addition there is not a lot of awareness into this disorder in older individuals.

Physical and psychological impact of anorexia in adulthood

The effects of anorexia nervosa can be particularly severe for older adults, especially due to the physical vulnerabilities associated with aging. Long term malnutrition can lead to:

Loss of bone density

As people age the risk of osteoporosis increases. If nutrition is poor, the risk goes up. This can lead to fractures and pain. In addition the damage is most likely irreversible.

Heart problems

Having long term anorexia can lead to problems with the heart. The individual can have low blood pressure or heart arrhythmias.

Immune system weakening

If someone isn’t taking in proper nutrition the immune system may not be able to fight off infections as it would in a healthy person. Thus they become sick more often or injuries take longer to heal.

Cognitive decline

If you don’t get the nutrition you need, your cognitive functioning can decrease. Thus you can have trouble with memory, concentration and decision making. Your thinking may become rigid and you don’t have the ability to have insight into your lack of nutrition.

Gastrointestinal problems

Because the individual is not eating enough, the digestive system slows down to conserve energy. This leads to symptoms like bloating, constipation and delayed gastric emptying. If this goes on long term it can lead to permanent harm of the stomach and intestines.

Hormonal issues

Anorexia can cause menstruation to stop because of the hormonal imbalances. In both men and women long term anorexia can lead to fertility problems and other endocrine disorders.

Roadblocks to treatment

Stigma

The erroneous belief that anorexia only impacts young people can get in the way of older adults seeking treatment. They may not be taking seriously.

Psychological struggles

As an older adult, the person may feel isolated, anxious or shameful. There may not be anyone who can understand their struggles. They may feel misunderstood thus making it difficult to seek appropriate care.

Limited awareness

The medical community is not trained to notice anorexia in adulthood. Thus this diagnosis may be overlooked.

Treatment for anorexia in adulthood

A multidisciplinary team that includes medical, psychological and social support is required.

Medical care

Medical monitoring is crucial to address the physical complications of anorexia nervosa. This includes nutritional rehabilitation, bone density assessments, and treatment of any coexisting disorders. Hospitalization is required in extreme cases.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help those struggling to address underlying problems and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Group therapy can also provide valuable peer support. It is difficult to treat and therapy needs to be ongoing until the person can maintain a healthy weight.

Social Support

Family members and caregivers play a critical role in recovery. They can offer emotional support and help create a positive, stress-free environment that encourages healthy eating habits.

Community resources

Engaging with community organizations or support groups designed for older adults can reduce isolation and provide a sense of belonging. You don’t have to suffer in silence.

Prevention and awareness

Raising awareness about anorexia nervosa in older adults is a vital step toward prevention. This includes educating healthcare providers about the signs and symptoms of eating disorders in older populations and encouraging older adults to speak openly about their struggles.

Promoting healthy attitudes toward aging and body image is also essential. Older adults should be encouraged to focus on overall health and well-being rather than conforming to societal ideals of thinness or youthfulness.

If this is something you or someone you love struggles with give me a call at 713-304-6554 and we will come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.

Take care,

Debbie Grammas