The influence of BMI and predictors of disordered eating and life satisfaction on postmenopausal women

J Women Aging. 2015;27(2):140-56. doi: 10.1080/08952841.2014.928496. Epub 2015 Jan 12.

Abstract

This study aims to compare eating behaviors, body satisfaction, exercise, and life satisfaction between normal-weight and overweight postmenopausal women and to examine the predictors of disordered eating and life satisfaction among postmenopausal women (n = 294). The overweight group had more eating disordered behavior, more body dissatisfaction, and lower physical quality of life. The increase of age predicted less disordered eating. Higher BMI, the perception of an ideal weight lower than the current one, lower body satisfaction, and physical quality of life predicted disordered eating. Higher body satisfaction, less psychosocial discomfort, and a greater degree of sexual symptom discomfort predicted life satisfaction.

Keywords: body satisfaction; eating disturbance; life satisfaction; postmenopausal.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Body Image
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Exercise
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ideal Body Weight
  • Middle Aged
  • Overweight / psychology*
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Postmenopause
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*