In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk, we shift the conversation around body-image and eating disorders beyond youth and into midlife and later. Many assume that disordered eating is a struggle faced primarily by teenagers and young adults, but the reality is that body image concerns and eating disorders can persist—or even begin—when you’re older.

Yvie is joined by Professor Gemma Sharp – a leading expert in eating disorders and body image at the University of Queensland; Kelly Griffin, who shares his experience as a male with an eating disorder that began at age 40; and Sue Cody, age 55, who experienced a relapse during perimenopause and shares her story of finding support.

The conversation covers many topics – including the stigma and misconceptions around eating disorders in older adults, the impact of ageism and cultural narratives on body image, unique challenges in accessing appropriate care later in life and the importance of talking, advocacy, peer support, and ongoing research into this population.

Resources:

• Butterfly National Helpline: 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)
• Chat online
• Download your personalised support script to take to your GP here.
• Find professionals screened for their understanding of eating disorders here.
• More Resources can be found here
• Butterfly’s Peer Mentoring Program can be found here
• The menopause and eating disorders free online course can be found here
• Register for the free international Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders here (This is open to anyone with an interest in eating disorders research, especially those with a lived experience) 

Connect:

Follow Yvie Jones on Instagram here

Follow Butterfly Foundation on Instagram here

Production Team:

• Produced by Yvie Jones and Annette Staglieno from Classic Me Productions
• Executive Producer: Camilla Becket
• Supported by the Waratah Education Foundation

For more information about this episode, visit butterfly.org.au/podcast and click through to this episode.