Is it an Eating Disorder?

Many older people experience problems with eating which may be classified as ‘disordered eating’ or ‘eating distress’ and these may be a result of physical or emotional issues in a person’s life. It is important to note that an eating disorder is a mental illness which originates as a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming internal and/or external issues. It is not uncommon for middle-aged or older people to experience a loss in appetite due to physical health concerns - if this type of food refusal takes place without psychological factors such as a pursuit of thinness, avoidance of normal weight or body image distortion, it would most likely not be diagnosed as an eating disorder. Below are a few reasons why a decrease in appetite may take place, which are not independently classified as an eating disorder:

• An undiscovered illness or infection can cause loss of appetite – reflux, gastrointestinal problems
• Some medications cause loss of appetite, others cause stomach upset or pain that discourages eating
• Missing or decaying teeth make it difficult to eat, similarly poorly fitting dentures may cause pain and difficulty with food consumption
• Poor memory may lead to confusion over whether one has eaten and result in missed meals
• Lack of energy and/or motivation for grocery shopping and food preparation can discourage eating
• Poverty is a problem for many seniors and some may not have the financial means to buy food, particularly of nutritious value
• Depression is often associated with decreased appetite, as are associated feelings of loneliness and lack of meaningful connections with other people. If depression is an issue, please visit Eating Disorders and Other Health Problems.

Regardless, these factors are very important to address as there are many physical, mental and emotional consequences that can accompany a marked decrease in appetite and resulting nutrient deficiency for older people. Please consult your GP if this is the case.