A systematic review of interventions on body image and disordered eating outcomes among women in midlife

Abstract

Objective: Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating are widely recognised as issues that warrant attention among women in midlife, particularly the development and delivery of effective interventions. This paper systematically reviews existing research on interventions among midlife women on body image and disordered eating outcomes, in order to inform intervention delivery and provide strategic directions for future research. Method: Fourteen electronic databases were searched for articles published between 1992-2015 that evaluated interventions with non-clinical samples of women (M age 35-55 years) in controlled trials with at least one body image measure. Data were extracted and evaluated, and the methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias. Results: From 7,475 records identified, 9 articles evaluating 11 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Seven interventions significantly improved body image at post-test (ds = 0.19-2.22), with significant improvements on disordered eating achieved by two of these interventions (ds = 0.90-1.72). Sustained improvements were achieved by three interventions that employed a multi-session, therapeutically based, group intervention format; two with sustained body image and disordered eating improvements, and one with sustained body image improvements only (ds = 0.55-1.21; 2 weeks-6 months). Methodological quality varied between studies. Discussion: To date, three interventions have demonstrated sustained improvements and are indicated for practitioners aiming to improve body image and disordered eating among women in midlife. Replication and more rigorous randomised controlled trials are required to enhance the methodological quality of intervention studies in this field.

The importance of body image disturbances for the outcome of outpatient psychotherapy in patients with anorexia nervosa: Results of the ANTOP‐study

“…With regard to exposure therapies, Koskina, Campbell, and Schmidt () conducted a systematic review and inter alia point to the potential of virtual‐reality settings for exposure techniques (see also Marco et al, ). Lewis‐Smith, Diedrichs, Rumsey, and Harcourt () as a result of their systematic review on body image interventions again in general call for more rigourous research on interventions in the field of body image in patients with AN.…”

Effects of an educational intervention targeting body image on self-esteem of Iranian high-school students: a quasi-experimental trial

“…Changes of mean score of body image concern in period of study in intervention and control group age in students in the experimental group compared with the control group and a significant increase in self-esteem of students in the experimental group compared with the control group. Some studies have shown that education can reduce concerns about body image [4,[33][34][35][36], whereas others have shown that education has no effect on body image [22,37]. Controlled studies indicate that educational programs can significantly modify how an individual perceives his or her body [31].…”

“…An impaired body image can lead to problems such as loss of appetite, anorexia nervosa, abnormal weight change, sleep disorders, mental disorders, slow responses and unreasonable guilt, all of which represent public health problems [4,5]. Low self-esteem and lack of social support increase the vulnerability of an individual's self-image [6].…”