Differences in menopausal quality of life, body appreciation, and body dissatisfaction between women at high and low risk of an eating disorder

Abstract

Objective

Experiences of menopause and quality of life during menopause can vary extensively among women. While menopause has been associated with negative impacts on eating and body image, it is unclear to what extent quality of life differs by eating disorder risk status. The aim of this study was to explore how menopause symptoms and quality of life differ between those women at high‐ or low‐risk of an eating disorder and the potential protective role of body appreciation.

Method

This cross‐sectional survey study explored differences in menopausal quality of life, body appreciation, and body dissatisfaction among women classified as high‐ or low‐risk of an eating disorder as part of a wider survey on aging, health, and psychological complaints during midlife. Participants were 255 females aged between 40 and 60 years. Participants were classified as high‐risk and low‐risk of an eating disorder based on Eating Attitudes Test‐26 (EAT‐26) scores. Differences between groups on the Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ‐16), and Body Appreciation Scale–2 were analyzed. The predictive relationship between menopausal quality of life and body appreciation was also explored.

Results

Participants in the high‐risk group ( n = 111) reported significantly poorer menopausal quality of life compared to the low‐risk group ( n = 144), scoring significantly higher on the sexual, physical, and psychosocial subscales of the MENQOL. The high‐risk group also had significantly greater body dissatisfaction and less body appreciation than the low‐risk group. Overall, menopausal quality of life was a significant predictor of body appreciation.

Discussion

Women with greater eating disorder risk may be faring less well with menopause. Treating and preventing menopause‐related eating disorders will benefit from interventions aimed at not only reducing body dissatisfaction, but actively bolstering body appreciation and supporting the sexual, physical, and psychosocial aspects of the menopausal transition.

Abstract

This study suggests that women who experience eating pathology at midlife age may experience a lower quality of life during the menopausal transition. The study concludes that fostering greater body appreciation, and supporting the sexual, physical and psychosocial aspects of the menopausal transition may help reduce eating disorder risk during the menopausal transition.