Network analysis of eating disorder symptoms in women in perimenopause and early postmenopause

Abstract

Objective: Eating disorders (EDs) are often stereotyped as disorders of adolescence and young adulthood; however, they can occur at any age. Prevalence of EDs at midlife are approximately 3.5% and specific symptoms at midlife can have prevalences as high as 29.3%. Studies also inconsistently suggest that EDs and related symptoms may be more prevalent in midlife aged women during perimenopause compared with midlife aged women at pre-menopause. To date few studies have examined the structure of and associations between ED symptoms in women specifically during perimenopause and early postmenopause. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the structure of ED symptoms specifically during perimenopause and early postmenopause.Methods: Participants included 36 participants (45-61 y old) in a larger clinical trial who completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) at a baseline study visit. Network analysis statistical models were used to examine the structure of and associations between ED symptoms assessed via the EDE-Q.Results: Shape dissatisfaction and weight dissatisfaction were the top 2 central symptoms in the network. Conclusions: Results corroborate previous studies and indicate that, similar to young adult samples, dissatisfaction with body image is a core feature of ED pathology across the lifespan.

The Clinical Phenotype of Binge Eating Disorder among Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study

“…Current EBTs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, do not address medical morbidities that may accompany BED in older women, nor do they account for aging-related changes in cognition or psychosocial factors [64]. These treatments commonly target body dissatisfaction and similar mechanisms during treatment, which do seem to be present in eating disorders through midlife [65]. However, given the medical morbidities in the current sample, we likely need a multifaceted treatment approach that not only helps older women stop BE, but increases physical health and mobility as well.…”