A systematic review of interventions on body image and disordered eating outcomes among women in midlife

Lewis-Smith, Helena; Diedrichs, Phillippa C.; Rumsey, Nichola; Harcourt, Diana

Abstract

Objective: Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating are widely recognised as issues that warrant attention among women in midlife, particularly the development and delivery of effective interventions. This paper systematically reviews existing research on interventions among midlife women on body image and disordered eating outcomes, in order to inform intervention delivery and provide strategic directions for future research.

Method: Fourteen electronic databases were searched for articles published between 1992-2015 that evaluated interventions with non-clinical samples of women (M age 35-55 years) in controlled trials with at least one body image measure. Data were extracted and evaluated, and the methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias.

Results: From 7,475 records identified, 9 articles evaluating 11 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Seven interventions significantly improved body image at post-test (ds = 0.19-2.22), with significant improvements on disordered eating achieved by two of these interventions (ds = 0.90-1.72). Sustained improvements were achieved by three interventions that employed a multi-session, therapeutically based, group intervention format; two with sustained body image and disordered eating improvements, and one with sustained body image improvements only (ds = 0.55-1.21; 2 weeks-6 months). Methodological quality varied between studies.

Discussion: To date, three interventions have demonstrated sustained improvements and are indicated for practitioners aiming to improve body image and disordered eating among women in midlife. Replication and more rigorous randomised controlled trials are required to enhance the methodological quality of intervention studies in this field.

Citation

Lewis-Smith, H., Diedrichs, P. C., Rumsey, N., & Harcourt, D. (2015). A systematic review of interventions on body image and disordered eating outcomes among women in midlife. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 49(1), 5-18. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22480

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 6, 2015
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
• Journal: International Journal of Eating Disorders
• Print ISSN: 0276-3478
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 49
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 5-18
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22480
• Keywords: body image, eating disorders, midlife, women
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/839731
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eat.22480
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Lewis-Smith, H., Diedrichs, P. C., Rumsey, N. and Harcourt, D. (2015) A systematic review of interventions on body image and disordered eating outcomes among women in midlife. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 49 (1). pp. 5-18, which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eat.22480. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.