‘Menorexia’ Is The Midlife Crisis We Don’t Talk About Enough

Key Points:

• Approximately 28.8 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with an eating disorder in their lifetime, with women at the highest risk, including those in midlife who may develop or relapse during menopause or perimenopause.
• Midlife eating disorders, sometimes called "menorexia," are underrepresented in research and treatment, despite unique triggers such as menopause, divorce, empty nest syndrome, chronic illness, and societal ageism.
• A survey found that 35% of women over 40 developed disordered eating behaviors for the first time in midlife, often masked as wellness practices like restrictive dieting or excessive exercise, making detection difficult.
• Hormonal changes during menopause and andropause significantly contribute to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, with additional triggers including medical advice focused on weight loss and cultural glorification of thinness and youthfulness.
• Experts recommend recognizing normal body changes, seeking specialized and flexible care, avoiding isolation, and resisting diet culture messaging to support recovery and address the emotional aspects of eating disorders in midlife.