Midlife Eating Disorders

Starred review from March 1, 2013

While many associate eating disorders with teenage girls, the disorders affect people of all ages and both genders. Bulik (psychiatry, Univ. of North Carolina Sch. of Medicine; The Woman in the Mirror: How To Stop Confusing What You Look Like with Who You Are) explains why these disorders are increasing among midlife patients. Some may be relapsing; others have experienced transitions or stressors such as job loss, divorce, menopause, or loss of a loved one. The middle-aged often must deal with relationships, parenting, and work while coping with the disorder. Bulik explains the various eating disorders and their diagnoses. She discusses treatment options, finding compassionate care, and the importance of support from health professionals as well as family and friends. The book has extensive notes as well as a resource list of American and British organizations. VERDICT Highly recommended. The author deals with a topic that has not been addressed in the consumer health literature. Both public and consumer health libraries will want to add it to their collections.--Barbara Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2013
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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)