In the past people believed eating disorders were just for young girls, and would resolve naturally by age 25. It has become clear, as more people speak out, that eating disorders have no age limit.  In fact, people who thought they were recovered often find themselves triggered again at certain points throughout the life cycle.

Eating disorders are an ineffective coping strategy.  It only makes sense, then, that they would recur in periods of increased stress.  It can be difficult to see the real issue underlying the eating disorder, especially for those stricken.  It seems to them to clearly be about weight.

College

College is a common trigger.  Many of my clients fear the mythological  ”freshman 15″. They engage in eating disorder behavior to prevent weight gain at this time.  What they do not see as the bigger picture here is the fear about moving out of their parents home, the stress of college performance, and a whole host of emotions that go along with this transitional period in their lives.

Marriage

This is another common trigger for women (and men) to engage in eating disorder behavior.  There is pressure to look perfect on your wedding day.  There are rumors about gaining weight after marriage.  Underlying these surface issues are the true causes of the behavior.  It is a big unknown to be married.  It is another major transition in one’s life.  It brings up a myriad of old baggage about being loved, being worthy, etc., that a person may not be aware exists for them.

Pregnancy

This has gotten more attention lately.  This is especially scary because of the implication on two lives instead of one.  Women feel pressure to gain only a particular amount of weight.  They are also fearful about not being able to lose it if they gain too much.  I see postpartum being a major trigger for eating disorders as well.  All of this correlates with a time of dramatic change in a woman’s life. Fears about motherhood, the feelings of overwhelm with a new baby, etc., all play into the promotion of the disorder.

Divorce, Turning 40, Empty Nest, Midlife

This time can be one that inspires weight concerns as well.  Again, this is just the superficial cause of the eating disorder.  Underneath these worries are the real feelings brought on by this time of transition.  Around this age there are often many factors at work.  The children are growing up and leaving the home.  This can present issues in the marriage if it was primarily ‘all about the kids’.  There are issues of identity and purpose in life.  This can leave a person feeling lost and disoriented.  Body focus can be the chosen distraction to avoid dealing with these issues.

Retirement, Elderly

I know this may come as a surprise, but eating issues even come very late in life.  It is not uncommon to see anorexia among the elderly.  This is often written off as a symptom of aging, or a simple decrease in appetite.  But this often correlates with depression and anxiety seen with the aging.  I previously worked in a long term care facility, and I spent much of my time begging underweight patients to eat their food and drink their supplements.  I remember my shock when a woman in her late 80’s objected with the fear it would make her fat.

Eating disorder thoughts and behaviors, often originating in youth, can continue to plague people throughout their lives. Once it is established, even after recovery it can be a person’s ‘default’ coping mechanism.  This is why it is critical for people to receive adequate treatment when they realize they have an eating disorder.  Being able to understand the thoughts and recognize the behaviors throughout the life cycle is crucial.  If and when they recur, this recognition helps to minimize the extent to which they wreak havoc at these transitional times.