BINGE EATING AMONG OLDER WOMEN: PREVALENCE RATES AND HEALTH CORRELATES ACROSS THREE UNIQUE SAMPLES

Abstract

Emerging research indicates that older women struggle with disordered eating more frequently than once thought. Among older women, binge eating (BE; consuming unusually large amounts of food in one siting while feeling a loss of control) appears to be the most common form of disordered eating. Notably, BE is associated with significant medical morbidity, including metabolic dysfunction and chronic pain. Aging-related experiences, such as sleep disruptions following menopause, mood changes and psychosocial stressors, may increase risk for BE. This study comprises a 3-sample comparison of BE prevalence and health correlates among older women. We gathered self-reported frequencies of BE in three separate samples of older women, using three different methods and validated measures. Sample 1: N = 185 women aged 60-83; collected online via snowball sampling and Amazon MTurk; 86% White. Sample 2: N = 100 women aged 55-79; collected online via snowball sampling; 72% White; 50% Masters/Doctoral Degree; 72% married. Sample 3: N = 64 women aged 66+ living with food insecurity, collected in person at local food pantries; 65% Hispanic, 16% African American; 39% disabled status; 48% < high school/GED; 47% household income < $10,000/year. Per DSM-5 frequency criterion of BE at least weekly, we found prevalence rates ranging from 19%-26.5% across the samples; correlates included elevated negative mood, worry, and BMI, and less nutritious food consumption. Across three very different samples in terms of race/ethnicity, education, and food security status, we found consistent rates of self-reported BE at least weekly (roughly 1/5). Implications will be discussed.