By Rebecca Lester, Washington University in St. Louis

“No one expects a grown woman in her 40s to have an eating disorder. That’s for teenagers, right? Well, guess what – it happened to me.”

Alexa, a 44-year-old real estate agent, was telling me about her struggle with non-purging bulimia, which has come to control her life. We spoke in 2024 at a coffee shop as part of my ongoing research on eating disorders.

The names of my research subjects have been changed for this article to protect their identities.

“I didn’t understand what was happening for a long time,” Alexa said. “It didn’t even occur to me that it could be an eating disorder.”

She is not alone. A 2023 study estimated that over 9 million American women over 40 develop eating disorders. Some had eating disorders earlier in life and experience a resurgence at midlife. Others develop them for the first time in their 40s or older.

I am an anthropologist and licensed therapist who has researched and treated eating disorders for the past 30 years. I have also recovered from an eating disorder myself. I wrote a 2021 book about how contemporary clinical approaches to eating disorders can harm people and keep them sick. One of the things I uncovered in my research is that older women with eating disorders often fly completely under the radar, leading to increased health risks and even death.

My research leads me to conclude that this is due to health care providers’ misunderstanding of the cultural and existential factors affecting women in midlife, which can make this a time of increased risk of developing an eating disorder.

By the numbers

The numbers around eating disorders at midlife are sobering: Rates of eating disorders among middle-aged women have increased in recent years. As many as 13% of American women over 50 have eating disorder symptoms, slightly more than the percentage diagnosed with breast cancer.

One study found that 71% of women ages 30 to 74 wanted to be thinner, although 73% of them were at clinically normal weight for their height and age. Research shows that although anorexia, an eating disorder characterized by the severe restriction of calories, becomes less common after age 26, bulimia, where patients binge and then purge food from their bodies, doesn’t reach its peak until age 47. Binge eating disorder, or habitually eating excessive amounts in one sitting, can continue to plague women into their 70s.

Lack of treatment

Despite the prevalence of eating disorders in older women, they are often the least likely to get help.

In fact, flagrant symptoms of an eating disorder can be missed in these middle-aged people. At 52, Janelle, a schoolteacher, has struggled with anorexia for the past four years. Because she is petite, her slight frame hasn’t raised any alarms for medical professionals.

“My doctor told me I couldn’t possibly have an eating disorder because I’m too old,” Janelle told me. “I know I’m anorexic. I was anorexic as a teenager, so I know exactly what this is. My doctor just said I should consider myself lucky because a lot of women my age actually gain weight.”

This doctor’s response is emblematic of problems in eating disorder treatment more generally in the U.S. Though tools to assess patients for eating disorders are available, most physicians and even psychiatrists receive little, if any, training in their use. Learning to identify and respond to eating disorders requires that they go through additional – and costly – specialized training.

As a result, many hold erroneous popular stereotypes about these conditions, and so women with eating disorders aren’t getting the help they need.

Beyond stereotypes

In the popular imagination, eating disorders center on things young women supposedly care about; namely, being thin and attractive – specifically, attractive to men. This stereotype is a holdover from 19th- and 20th-century understandings of hysteria, which was thought to particularly afflict young women who craved but also feared male sexual attention.

According to this paradigm, middle-aged women are thought to be out of the sexual game, so to speak, so they ought to be immune to illnesses that focus on appearance.

This perception of eating disorders is not only wrong, but also dangerous because clinicians often don’t recognize these issues in women who don’t fit this stereotype.

In reality, eating disorders are deadly conditions that emerge from a convergence of genetic susceptibility, psychological factors, family environments, life events and cultural values. And they affect people of all genders, sexual orientations and races across the socioeconomic spectrum and the lifespan.

Although the drive for thinness often is the most obvious feature of these conditions, what I have found in my 30 years of research on this topic, including talking to over 200 patients with eating disorders, is that these illnesses are at heart about desperately trying to feel worthy of existing.

A concern with body shape, then, often reflects a much deeper existential crisis that can arise during times when a person’s identity is shifting as their body is changing. One of those times is adolescence. Another is middle age.

Seeking identity in middle age

Outwardly, eating disorders in middle age look a lot like eating disorders at any other age. But the body concerns and identity dilemmas associated with middle age are different from those that plague adolescence and young adulthood.

As women age, their metabolism slows down, their bodies don’t work the way they used to, and they visibly begin to wear their life experience. Questions of mortality and the meaning of life can come to the fore. It’s often a time of shifting dynamics within families. For those who have children, middle age is typically the time when those children are becoming more independent or leaving home. This is also a time when aging parents may require care.

At the same time, for women in particular, the pressures to remain fresh, fit and firm despite aging are monumental. The popularity of treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, Ozempic and the massive anti-aging industry have exploded as this over-40 market has been cultivated.

“We’re supposed to look 30 forever,” said Shelly, a 51-year-old marketing professional struggling with anorexia. “You’ve heard of the ‘middle-age spread’? There’s no way I’m going to let that happen to me.”

A woman’s worth

Progress in gender equality notwithstanding, women’s social worth in modern Western culture is still disproportionately determined by appearance and sexual and reproductive capacities.

It is not surprising, then, that looks and youth become the focus of existential distress for many women over 40. As older women struggle to secure a sense of value in a youth-obsessed world, food and eating can become a focus of attention that ultimately becomes destructive.

This doesn’t mean these women are vain or superficial. Rather, they have picked up on what their culture values, and they have internalized the message that thinness is a way to attain that.

“Our culture doesn’t value older women the way other cultures do,” observed Kaytlin, a 47-year-old office manager struggling with disordered eating. “The idea that older women should be revered for their wisdom and influence is foreign to us. Instead, we become invisible.”

My hope is that dispelling some of the erroneous assumptions that have driven both public perception and clinical practice about these illnesses will help women get the care they need.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Rebecca Lester, Washington University in St. Louis

Read more:

• Mounting research documents the harmful effects of social media use on mental health, including body image and development of eating disorders
• Friday essay: ‘I was unseen, even to myself’ – as many as half of people with anorexia are autistic. Fiona Wright is one of them
• Eating disorders are about emotional pain – not food

Rebecca Lester does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Feature Image: Changes in identity in midlife can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. muratseyit/E+ via Getty Images

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Please join me in celebrating a special milestone for the Professional Pretty Blog as it turns 5! This anniversary is more than just a rebrand; it’s a celebration of the community, empowerment, and shared journey that’s brought us together. Professional Pretty was created to uplift and inspire Black women by offering real, relatable content in beauty, travel, and lifestyle. Over the years, we’ve grown into a space that shares tips, resources, and inspiration to encourage self-care and exploration.

Professional Pretty is about being seen and celebrated. From travel insights to skincare routines, it offers accessible resources that empower women to show up confidently and love the journey, inside and out. This blog isn’t just about beauty or travel; it’s about creating a community for Black women to feel empowered and represented in spaces that celebrate our uniqueness.

The Professional Pretty blog is a resource for minority women, especially Black women, providing access, inspiration, and resources in the travel and beauty spaces. Black travelers are a driving force in the tourism industry, spending over $109 billion annually —yet they still face unique challenges in finding inclusive destinations and products that cater to their specific needs. Professional Pretty addresses these challenges by offering tips on travel safety, showcasing culturally welcoming destinations, and spotlighting beauty essentials designed for melanin-rich skin.

This blog goes beyond advice; it’s a platform that champions representation, giving minority women firsthand insights and recommendations tailored to their experiences. From destination reviews that prioritize inclusivity to skincare routines ideal for diverse skin types, Professional Pretty ensures that Black women feel seen, empowered, and ready to explore.

By amplifying the voices and stories of women breaking barriers, Professional Pretty inspires its audience to navigate the travel and beauty worlds with confidence. This dedicated focus helps ensure minority women are well-prepared and celebrated as they embark on new journeys, making Professional Pretty an invaluable resource for maximizing their travel and beauty experiences.

In 2025, I’ll be featuring each woman attending this anniversary event in The Cincinnati Herald, both in print and online, as a heartfelt thank-you for your support. Expect cocktails, delicious food, travel and beauty vendors, and more! The attire is Chocolate Tones, so get ready to show up and show out. Raise an Espresso Martini with me as we celebrate this journey and kick off a fresh chapter in style. Cheers to the community we’ve built and all the incredible experiences to come!

Tickets are available via Eventbrite

The post Professional Pretty Blog celebrates 5 years empowering women appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Antoinette Moore

Herald Contributor

As we wrap up the first month of 2024, it’s crucial to reflect on the myriad stressors that may have come our way. Whether rooted in financial, occupational, familial, social, or personal well-being challenges, the art of managing stress emerges as the linchpin to thwarting potential long-term consequences on our health. Recent research underscores the profound effects of stress on the body, sounding the alarm for effective stress management strategies.

Citing the American Psychological Association, we delve into the stark recognition that our bodies possess the capacity to handle stress in small doses, yet risk emerges when stress becomes a chronic companion.

Pause for a moment to contemplate five individuals, perhaps even yourself, coping with medical conditions. Now, magnify the impact of stress on these conditions. It is imperative to proactively manage stress, a critical step to forestall the escalation of medical conditions and the complications they may birth.

The pivotal role of a healthier lifestyle unfurls as the ultimate motivation, propelling us towards the attainment of personal goals, skillfully wear down the adverse side effects of medical conditions, and signaling the prospect to authentically savor life to the fullest.

February Goals bring forth some remarkable Tips for Managing Stress:

Planning: Craft a roadmap for your week, alleviating the weight of being overwhelmed. Dedicate a day to jot down a to-do list or plan activities for the upcoming week.

Prioritize Rest: Secure 7-9 hours of sleep, recognizing the healing process of ample rest for both your physical and mental well-being. (Yes, put the phone down and bid adieu to the flickering TV screen.)

Embrace a Balanced Diet: Ponder your daily lunch choices, pondering whether they offer your body the nutrients it needs to thrive. Opt for a balanced diet, incorporating something green daily, and hydrate with water.

Active Living: Carve out 10 minutes daily for physical activity. Be it a walk, exercise routine, dance session, or even household chores – every movement contributes to a healthier you. And yes, climbing office stairs counts! In embracing these stress management tips into your daily life; you pave the way not just to resilience but to a thriving existence amidst life’s challenges. As we traverse February, let’s anchor our focus on self-love, recognizing it as the bedrock for overall well-being.

The post Unlocking the power of stress management: A roadmap to resilience appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

Curvy Cardio premiered in 2014 as a tool to aid women within the inner-city community with facing the challenges of a healthier lifestyle. Participants are given access to an online portal that features meal preparation and healthy tips, at home workouts, and resources to achieve their wellness goals at an affordable rate. Additionally, participants are invited to participate in a private Facebook support group, fitness classes, and variety tools to aid with success. The core goal to terminate dangerous diets and increase daily healthy choices/physical activity has spread to women within the city of Cincinnati and across the country.

Curvy Cardio seeks to partner with organizations that helps us accomplish those goals such as the Black Women’s Health Movement (BWHM). The BWHM is designed to engage and empower African American women across the socioeconomic spectrum of our community to live healthier lives — body and mind.

Over the course of the next few months, Herald Beauty will be giving some healthy lifestyle tips so you can stay beautiful from the inside out. Beauty comes in many forms and taking care of your physical and mental is just as important. There is still time to join Curvy Cardio this year for FREE and have access to many great tools and resources from the Black Women’s Health Moment and more. For more information visit www.morganaowens.com, follow @curvycardio and @bwhmovement on Instagram.

The post Beauty starts on the Inside appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

Spring Break is approaching quickly, make sure you are prepared. Here are a few of my travel products/essentials that I take no matter if I’m going into cold or warm weather cities.

Mini Travel Makeup Sets

• Travel Brushes
• Travel Beauty Blender
• Travel Makeup Bag

Travel Beauty Products

• Makeup Remover Wipes
• Face Refresher Spray
• Mini Skincare Products

Travel Health/Wellness

• Hand Sanitizer – I like this one from Dove because it has moisturizer in it
• Lysol Spray
• Trip Wipes for Airplane and more

Travel Lifestyle Essentials

• Vitamins, I love this Beat The Boat. Helps with indulgent meals while on vacation
• Perfume
• Body Oil
• Hair Accessories

The post Spring Break Travel Essentials appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan A. Owens,

Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

Vaccinated and ready to GO! I’ve been traveling a lot lately for work, still safely and still masked up! However, traveling these days I’ve made sure I bring some beauty/lifestyle necessities to help me navigate traveling and keeping my skin and lifestyle routines healthy and happy.

Safe Travels!

Skincare

With wearing Mask’s don’t forget to take care of your skin, especially before and after flying. Here are a few skincare travel products I always pack and why:

• Makeup Wipes – This is an easy and quick way to remove your makeup after a long day, or a refresher for your face after a flight. All that recycled air and wearing a mask can really build oil and dirt onto your skin.

• Toner, Brightener, Moisturizer Set – Little skincare sets like this are lifesavers, they are compact enough to take in your travel bag and TSA approved.

• Evian Water Mist – I like to use this as a refresher after a flight, pair this with a makeup wipe and your skin will feel refreshed.

Beauty

• Mini Brush Set – No need to take your larger more expensive brushes on your trip, these mini brush sets from Sephora are the perfect fit.

• Beauty Blender Besties Set – Pouch, Scrub Mat, Cleanser and Beauty Blender – All your beauty application needs in a small pouch! This kit comes complete with a beauty blender and cleaner!

Safety

• Hand Sanitizer – This should stay a staple in your travel kit. I love Dove’s hand sanitizer because it is very nourishing on your skin. Hand sanitizer can dry those hands out, but this is one of my favorite hand sanitizers to keep my hands soft.

• Disinfectant Spray – this small little Lysol spray is a game changer, small enough to take on the plane – spray your seat down, spray your tray down – a lot of airlines have started going back to business as usual so make sure you still stay protected.

• Travel Wipes – these mini pouches are a great option to pack on your travel journeys, easy wipes to clean down whatever you need.

Lifestyle

• Travel Perfume – Don’t forget to pack your favorite scent in the perfect travel size

• Body Oil – this is a perfect mini luxury treat – perfect for taking to warmer weather locations to give you a fresh and healthy glow

• Satin Hair Ties – These satin hair ties are the perfect fit for traveling and they are good for your hair so your hair won’t break off on the go.

• Vitamins – Don’t forget to continue your daily healthy lifestyle – there are an array of travel size vitamins to pack. I like the Bloat be Gone ones because while traveling you may indulge a little bit and you don’t want your gut to give you any problems.

The post Beauty, lifestyle products perfect for travel appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Morgan Angelique Owens, Chief Creative Beauty Consultant

Since we all are spending more time at home, this is a great chance to get some self-care and beauty routines in place. Time is always something we say we need more of and now we have it. Try one or all of these suggestions:

1. DIY Mask


For glowing skin mix together 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 2 tablespoons of lemon. Do a patch of skin to test, make sure you are not sensitive to break out. Let the mask sit on your face for 5 minutes and rinse. Continue with your normal daily skin routine. If you are doing face masques, I would not over do them. Try it once a week.

2. Plan it out


Utilize this time to plan out some healthier meal options to keep your mind, body and soul healthy. Use free platforms such as Pinterest to search for meals no matter your dietary restrictions. Whether you are keto, vegan, vegetarian, low carb, high carb – whatever it is, they have a ton of meal ideas and recipes that you can simply pin and plan your meals for the week!




3. Get Moving


Gyms are closed but don’t let that keep you from executing your health goals. There are a ton of online platforms with workouts to keep you accountable. Curvy Cardio has a great at home program that has daily challenges, meal ideas, live workouts and more in a private support group for only $15 a month! Interested in joining? Email curvycardio@gmail.com to participate all in the comfort of your own home!




4. Stock up on Vitamins


I’ve started incorporating taking apple cider vinegar gummies from a brand called Goli three times a day. These replace taking ACV shots that honestly, I could not stand the taste or ‘burning’ feeling when ingested.  These gummies have also helped with my digestion, my energy level and immune system. They are vegan and 100% organic. If you want to try them visit www.goli.com and use my code ‘miss_morgan86’ for a special discount!

5. Online Shopping


I know a lot of us do this anyway but take advantage of the deals and discounts retailers are rolling out right now due to a lot of stores closing temporarily. On top of saving, you can also earn money back. You heard me right, you can get cash back on your online purchases. I utilize a site called Ebates, it has hundreds of your favorite online and in store retailers with cash back ranging from 2%-15% cash-back. The service is completely free, all you have to do is click on the website you want to shop at though Ebates and that’s it – you get a check in the mail every 3-4 months. To learn more and to start making money use my link to sign up https://www.rakuten.com/r/MORGAN6440?eeid=28187 Whatever you do, let’s try to stay positive and healthy!Make sure you follow me on Instagram: morganangeliqueowens as I will be doing giveaways that you don’t want to miss!

Beauty/Lifestyle Brands interested in being featured please email morgan@morganaowens.com

The post Self-Care At Home appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Hey ya’ll!

The sun has been out and I know everyone has had cabin fever, but please keep in mind coronavirus is still here and to make sure we are still continuing to stay safe! That’s why your girl put together a couple fun outdoor activities that you can do solo, with your partner or the whole family! These outdoor activities are also super effective, I didn’t spend more than $50 on each outdoor activity. 

Bougie Picnic

Since time is not a factor, why not really enjoy some time outside around some beautiful decor!? I had my friend Simone from The Confetti Room set up this cute and bougie picnic decor for me – but if you are talented like her you could totally do yourself. You can even hire her to come set this up for you for a day or night date in the park! Surrounded by so much pretty decor really enhances your vibes, I felt like someone’s rich auntie lounging in the park, people watching. 

Charcuterie Board

This is a bonus add on for a picnic or just to take with you to sit outside and enjoy the weather! This lovely board you can totally do yourself, or be like me and rely on other people’s talents such as 5 Star Meal Prep. They focus on healthy food that taste good, so this was a perfect option for me to snack on while I enjoyed my day date in the park. 

Smore’s Bar

I mean the title says it all! This you can do inside or outside. I have my limits so I decided to take this one in doors 🙂 All you need is a cute bar cart or table, real fire or chaffers, graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and an extra bonus – chocolate or butterscotch toppings.

This would make a really cute date night or a family dessert treat – or you could totally do it like me and treat yo self! You really don’t need a reason. 

Patio Game Night

You don’t have to just have game night’s inside, if you have a patio or outdoor seating space, take the fun outside! Make sure you have some bug repellent and candles though, if you are like me – I don’t do the bugs and certainly not the bug bites! Summer nights feel different outside with a nice cool breeze – so pick up some board games, download a fun game app and enjoy the fresh air! You can pick up inexpensive board games from amazon, dollar general or target. 

Inflatable Pool Party 

If you live in a building like me, going to a swimming pool is not really an option right now. So why not get an inflatable pool for one! There are so many cute inflatable pools out right now, I found this cute solo pool for only $20 at Homegoods along with the beach towel and pillow for only $15! If you have a family, you can totally get a bigger inflatable pool. I decided to join my friend outside, social distancing of course for a pool party we could enjoy together!

To read more about my Professional Pretty Blog please visit: http://www.morganaowens.com/professional-pretty-blog

Lifestyle and Beauty Brands want to collaborate please email: morgan@morganaowens.com 

The post Professional Pretty Column 8 appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Baby listen, I did not want to leave this bathtub.

During this time of quarantine, we all need some ways to decompress, relax and perhaps hide from your significant other or kids (am I right)? Lately, I have been devoting at least one day a week to my self-care. That is being still, not working, not focusing on anything but me and my well-being. 

If you are in need of some major alone time and self-care, you need to check out Macklin Bath and Home Products. Let me tell you, they got my whole self-care day together. Can I also mention, that they are also minority woman owned. Here is the run down on what products you need.

Bamboo Tray and Bath Pillow Combo

This tray fits right over your bathtub so you can enjoy some personal goodies. It’s equipped to hold a beverage (like wine), soap, iPad to watch movies or listening to music (with this nifty net to set the iPad on or a book to read). According to the website the official details are:

• Features a wine glass holder ideal for indulgent nightcaps
• Removable console to keep your phone nearby and secure
• Book holder console for a relaxing night of bath time reading
• Removable soap dish for improved convenience and minimal reach
• Fits tub from 29 – 43 inches wide

About The Spa Bath Pillow:

• Made of 100% durable polyurethane foam
• Easily hangs on most tubs with built-in shelf backing
• Contoured shape for critical bath time neck support
• Soft & lightweight for maximum soaking comfort

Floral Satin Robe

Because who doesn’t feel great in a satin robe?? Slip this on while you prepare your self-care bath and slide it back on after.

Rose Gold Eye Mask

Apply this while your soaking in the tub to help with puffiness and stress. It will leave your under-eye area refreshed. 10 come in a pack.

Zen-Sations Bath Salts by Macklin

These smelled so GOOD! Made with Lavender, Eucalyptus and Pink Himalayan Sea Salt you will melt away in no time in the bathtub.  You’ll leave feeling refreshed – I would suggest using before bedtime because it will have you sleeping like a baby.

Privilege

If you don’t listen to anything else, I have to recommend, THIS CANDLE IS EVERYTHING. It smells like nothing I have ever smelled before and I love candles. What I also love about this candle is the wick is different and unique to burn and last longer. The candle holder it comes in as well is gorgeous. It makes a great bathroom or room accent.

Please make sure you check out this amazing minority owned business. What products do you want to try? Well guess what, use my code Morgan to get a special discount. Let me know what you plan on checking out.

For more information on Macklin Bath and Home Products visit: https://www.macklinbathandhome.com/

To read more about my Professional Pretty Blog please visit: http://www.morganaowens.com/professional-pretty-blog

Lifestyle and Beauty Brands want to collaborate please email: morgan@morganaowens.com 

The post Professional Pretty Blog: Relaxin’ With Macklin’ appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .