Binge eating among older women: prevalence rates and health correlates across three independent samples

Abstract

Background Emerging research indicates that binge eating (BE; consuming unusually large amounts of food in one siting while feeling a loss of control) is prevalent among older women. Yet, health correlates of BE in older adult populations are poorly understood. The original study aimed to investigate BE prevalence, frequency, and health correlates in a sample of older adult women. Based on results from this first study, we then sought to replicate findings in two additional samples of older adult women from separate studies. Method Using self-reported frequencies of BE from three separate samples of older women with very different demographics, we compared BE prevalence, frequency, and health correlates among older women. Study 1 (N = 185) includes data collected online (86% White; 59% overweight/obese status). Study 2 (N = 64) was conducted in person at a local food pantry (65% Hispanic; 47% household income < $10,000/year). Study 3 (N = 100) comprises data collected online (72% White; 50% Masters/Doctoral Degree). Results Per DSM-5 frequency criterion of BE at least weekly, we found prevalence rates ranging from 19 to 26% across the three samples. Correlates of BE frequency included elevated negative mood, worry, BMI, and less nutritious food consumption. Conclusions Across three very different samples in terms of race/ethnicity, education, food security status, measurements, and sampling methodology, we found fairly consistent rates of self-reported BE at least weekly (19–26%). Results suggest that BE is related to negative health indices among older women and support the need for more research in this population.

The clinical significance of binge eating among older adult women: an investigation into health correlates, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life

“…In the current sample with a mean age of almost 69 years, 18% reported engaging in BE weekly or more frequently over the past few months. This is consistent with recent research, which found rates of weekly BE ranging from 19 to 26% across three independent samples of older adult women [55]. Another study found that 12% of older women reported BE in the past month, while 19% reported episodes of loss-of-control eating [7].…”

“…Additionally, we did not use targeted recruitment for women with eating concerns, which could have artificially inflated the rates of BE as well as the relations between BE and health indices. Indeed, the consistency in observed rate of weekly BE in our sample with past research [7,55] is a strength of this study. Measures demonstrated strong psychometric properties in our sample, supporting participants attended to measures during online assessment, and this was verified through data quality checks.…”

“…Of note, constructs within health-related QOL (e.g., physical function, social engagement, vitality) are particularly important to evaluate as health outcomes for older adults [62]. The limited past research on disordered eating correlates among older adult populations has focused on constructs relevant to eating disorders in younger populations (e.g., body appearance concerns, maladaptive perfectionism; [4]), with recent data indicating BE is correlated with BMI, negative mood, worry, and frequency of consuming nutritious foods [55]. This study is the first to examine health indices, particularly those important in geriatrics (e.g., physical functioning, social isolation, sleep, depression), in the context of BE among older adult women.…”

Mental health and quality of life in postmenopausal women as a function of retrospective menopause symptom severity

“…Past researchalso suggests thatearlypostmenopausal womenwere two to four times more likely to experience a major depressive episode than premenopausal women, 16 while 41% of post-menopausal women reported mild depression in a separate study 17 . Finally, binge eating (ie, consuming abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting while simultaneously feeling out of control) is the most common form of disordered eating among older adult women (eg, 12%-20%) 18,19 . Overall, research demonstrates the role that the menopausal transition plays in the mental health and QOL of women, which can persist across all stages of menopause.…”

“…17 Finally, binge eating (ie, consuming abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting while simultaneously feeling out of control) is the most common form of disordered eating among older adult women (eg, 12%-20%). 18,19 Overall, research demonstrates the role that the menopausal transition plays in the mental health and QOL of women, which can persist across all stages of menopause.…”