“Even in their 50s and 60s — and, believe it or not, beyond — women are engaging in extreme weight- and shape-control behaviors,” says Cynthia M. Bulik, director of the Eating Disorders Program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Although eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are often associated primarily with young women, recent studies have found that older segments of the population are rapidly succumbing to these disorders.
New York Times Health explained in a recent article that after have children, going through a divorce, and/or reaching middle age, women are feeling just as much pressure to make major lifestyle changes.
The greatest barrier in diagnosing these cases is that symptoms often mimic regular changes in aging women’s bodies. Because brittle bones and extreme fatigue are rare for young adults, such conditions are more easily identified by doctors as signs of eating disorders; in older patients, these warning signs are attributed simply to age.
Specializing in dental treatment for patients with eating disorders, Dr. Jill B. Smith, DMD at Dental Health & Wellness Boston is focused on providing care to achieve overall wellness, no matter the patient’s age. From oral care to treat tooth erosion (a common result of both eating disorders and acid reflux) and dry mouth to specialist referrals to ensure recovery and support, Dental Health & Wellness Boston is committed to restoring not only your smile but your whole body health.
