Body image and eating issues in midlife: A narrative review with clinical question recommendations

Abstract

Midlife is a period of transition that is influenced by multiple biopsychosocial and cultural factors. Eating and body image issues are common at this life stage. The purposes of this narrative review are to explore: 1) the aspects of midlife that make individuals vulnerable to eating issues and body image concerns and 2) how these factors may be influenced by weight, cultural background, and socioeconomic status. Within this review, we aim to explore nuances of how eating and body image issues present in some historically marginalized groups at midlife. The aim is to provide clinicians who care for midlife individuals with practical tools to initiate conversations regarding body image and eating issues. Ideally this will facilitate early intervention and assessment for individuals who are struggling with new, chronic, or relapse of symptoms of disordered eating.