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Eating disorders impact more than 1.1 million people in Australia, accounting for approximately 4.5% of the population. These disorders include binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa. Meanwhile, body dissatisfaction, a major risk factor for some types of eating disorders, affects more than 4.1 million people (18.9%) in the country.
While eating disorders are often associated with teenage girls, research suggests their prevalence remains high among women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. A growing body of evidence indicates that certain life stages pose a higher risk of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. These key risk periods can be summarized as the three “P’s”: puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause/menopause.
The Three “P’s” of Eating Disorder Risk
A recent report from The Butterfly Foundation identified the three highest prevalence groups for body image concerns as teenage girls aged 15–17 (39.9%), women aged 55–64 (35.7%), and women aged 35–44 (32.6%). While not all women experience pregnancy or menopause at the same age, these biological and life changes play a significant role in body image and mental health.
Puberty
A review of studies on children aged six to adolescents aged 18 found that 30% of girls in this age range reported disordered eating, compared to 17% of boys. The prevalence of disordered eating increases as children grow older, reinforcing the idea that puberty is a vulnerable period for body image issues.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the estimated prevalence of eating disorders is 7.5%. Additionally, nearly 70% of women report dissatisfaction with their body weight and figure in the postpartum period. The pressure to “bounce back” after childbirth can significantly impact mental health and contribute to disordered eating patterns.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Research estimates that over 73% of midlife women (aged 42–52) are unsatisfied with their body weight. The prevalence of eating disorders is approximately 3.5% in women over 40, while 1–2% of men in this age group are also affected. Changes in hormone levels, identity shifts, and social pressures contribute to increased vulnerability during menopause.
What’s Driving the Risk?
The heightened risk of eating disorders during these three life stages likely stems from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Hormonal fluctuations—such as changes in estrogen and progesterone—can alter appetite, metabolism, and body composition, leading to concerns about weight and shape.
Identity shifts also play a role. Adolescents transitioning to adulthood may struggle with societal expectations and body changes. Pregnant women often experience a loss of bodily autonomy, and postpartum pressure to regain their pre-pregnancy figure can be overwhelming. Similarly, menopause is associated with a shift away from youthful beauty ideals, potentially increasing body dissatisfaction.
Additionally, stress levels tend to rise during these life stages. Puberty comes with academic pressures and social challenges, pregnancy involves juggling family and career responsibilities, and menopause often coincides with caregiving duties for both children and aging parents. Studies have shown that interpersonal stressors and life transitions can elevate the risk of eating disorders.
Addressing the Gaps in Awareness and Treatment
Despite the prevalence of eating disorders across all age groups, most prevention and treatment efforts focus on adolescents. There is also a lack of awareness among healthcare providers about eating disorders in midlife women.
A recent study led by researcher Gemma Sharp found that women who had experienced an eating disorder during menopause struggled to find appropriate services. Many reported frustration with the lack of healthcare professionals trained to recognize and treat eating disorders in older women.
Raising awareness among medical professionals and the general public is essential to ensuring that women of all ages receive the support and treatment they need. By acknowledging that eating disorders extend beyond adolescence, more women may feel empowered to seek help without stigma.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or body image concerns, please seek professional guidance from a healthcare provider or a mental health specialist.
