Midlife Eating Disorders: Your Journey to Recovery
First, the bad news. The prevalence of some adult eating disorders is increasing, and these disorders can be deadly. But the good news, according to Bulik, a clinical psychologist and director of the University of North Carolina Eating Disorders Program, is that remission and even recovery from eating disorders is possible at any age. She reviews the causes, features, and age-appropriate treatments of midlife eating disorders from anorexia nervosa to binge eating, bulimia nervosa, and purging. She explores some of the challenges facing adults with eating problems, including parenting, intimacy, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. Low self-esteem often accompanies this set of illnesses, and personal relationships are impacted. Psychotherapy and medication are treatment options. Bulik lays lots of blame on such billion-dollar industries as Big Food, Big Beverage, Big Diet, Big Fashion, and Big Pharma for creating a culture where people feel bad about themselves no matter their age. Her sensitive and steady approach to eating disorders comes with prudent advice: be patient and compassionate; eat regularly and in moderation; practice honesty; seek support. --Tony Miksanek