Eating Disorders Do Not Just Impact the Young

Due to an overwhelming misrepresentation from media, eating disorders are commonly stereotyped as occurring in young females in their adolescent and teenage years.  The truth of the matter is that eating disorders can affect women and men across the lifespan, but women in their mid-life are typically overlooked at being susceptible to these diseases.  However, the mid-life presents different challenges, difficult life changes, and transitions that can result in overwhelming emotional turmoil.  Women and men who develop an eating disorder during this life period may find it equally challenging to reach out for help and seek the appropriate treatment they may need.  The good news is that there is always hope for recovery, no matter what stage of life you may be in.

If you are concerned that someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder in their mid-life, please continue reading here.

Choosing Recovery

On the first day of racing at the 2006 Junior World Championships , Hollie Avil’s life was forever changed. The words of a coach, “You’ll need to start thinking about your weight if you want to run quick, Hollie.” planted an unhealthy seed in her head. Hollie is an English triathlete and the youngest athlete to podium at a successive debut World Cup race, and surprisingly retired from the competitive sport recently after publicly announcing her battle with an eating disorder and depression. Hollie debuted at the 2008 Olympics and won the world under-23 title the following year; however, in 2010 the nightmare of having an eating disorder began. For a young woman, who was just beginning a phenomenal career as an Olympic triathlete, she took a giant leap in recovery when announcing her retirement to put her health first. “Although I am sad to be hanging up the race shoes, I’m proud of what I’ve overcome.”  To learn more about Hollie's story, please continue reading here.


Written by: Hannah Chase, Intern @ Eating Disorder Hope