HealthEating Disorders Aren't Just a Problem for Young PeopleNote: The following story mentions eating disorders. What's going on: A growing body of research shows more older women are seeking treatment for eating disorders — and doctors say menopause plays a major role. Health experts have noticed a rise in cases among women ages 40 to 70, with estimates that up to 30% of women in perimenopause or menopause struggle with disordered eating. Menopause can bring dramatic hormonal changes that can leave women feeling like they’ve lost control of their bodies. At the same time, many face big life transitions — empty nests, divorces, aging parents — that can add stress or reshape identity. Add in the pressure to stay thin at any age, and the risk goes up. For some women, these factors can trigger a new disorder. For others, menopause can bring back symptoms that never got proper treatment earlier in life. What it means: Eating disorders are often associated with younger people, especially teenage girls — not middle-aged women. That bias helps explain why so many cases often go undiagnosed. Even when women do seek help, treatment can be hard until they recognize what’s happening. The New York Times reports that doctors are also taking notice of how disordered eating affects women long-term — with complications like osteoporosis, arthritis, dental damage, and heart disease. One specialist put it plainly: “My fear is that we are woefully underprepared for these patients.” They may be right. Right now, few treatment options exist for older women, leaving many to navigate serious health risks with little support. Related: Children’s Health in the US Has Been Deteriorating Since 2007 (NPR) | 