Anorexia in Middle Age and Beyond
Anorexia in Middle Age and Beyond

A growing number of older women are seeking treatment for eating disorders. Many have struggled without help for decades.
Read the full article on NY Times Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, with the central claim supported by multiple sources. There's a slight bias towards highlighting the issue of eating disorders in older women, potentially overstating the "growing number" without providing specific statistical context. Some claims lack specific verification but are plausible given the general agreement among sources.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** "A growing number of older women are seeking treatment for eating disorders."
- Verification Source #1: Does not directly quantify "growing number" but acknowledges eating disorders in midlife and beyond.
- Verification Source #2: Supports the vulnerability of middle-aged women to eating disorders.
- Verification Source #4: States eating disorders are "an emerging concern for women in midlife."
- Verification Source #5: States eating disorders have been "on the rise among middle-aged and older women."
- Analysis: Supported by multiple sources, though the specific magnitude of "growing number" is not explicitly quantified.
- Claim:** "Many have struggled without help for decades."
- Verification Source #1: Mentions shame and embarrassment, which could contribute to delayed help-seeking.
- Verification Source #3: Mentions that eating disorders take a toll on the body that becomes more apparent with age, which could prompt treatment later in life.
- Verification Source #5: Supports the idea of "invisible women" hiding eating disorders.
- Analysis: Plausible and supported by the general themes of the provided sources, although no source directly confirms the "decades" timeframe.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Agreement:** All sources agree that eating disorders are a concern for women in midlife and beyond. Verification Source #2, #4, and #5 explicitly support this.
- Agreement:** Verification Source #1 mentions shame and embarrassment, which aligns with the idea that women might delay seeking help.
- Lack of Coverage:** None of the sources provide specific statistics to quantify the "growing number" of older women seeking treatment.
- Lack of Coverage:** The specific timeframe of "decades" of struggling without help is not explicitly confirmed by any source, although it is plausible given the nature of eating disorders and the associated stigma.