Prospective Health Impacts of Chronic Binge Eating Disorder in Hispanic Older Women Living with Food Insecurity (PROSPERA)

Purpose: Women tend to live longer than men, but they also often deal with more health problems as they age. One condition that may contribute to these problems is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)—a mental health condition where people regularly eat large amounts of food in a short time while feeling out of control. BED is more common in women and can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart problems, depression, and lower quality of life—even after accounting for body weight.

Despite its impact, BED is often misunderstood and under-researched, especially in groups who don’t fit the outdated stereotype that eating disorders only affect young, white, affluent women. In fact, research shows that older women, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged and from Hispanic/Latina backgrounds, may be at higher risk. Many of these women also face food insecurity, meaning they don’t always have reliable access to enough nutritious food—making their health challenges even more complex.

Recent studies suggest that up to 20% of older women living with food insecurity may have BED, but we still don’t know how this disorder affects their health over time. This project aims to fill that gap.

This research will follow 250 women aged 50 and older—half with BED and half without any eating disorder—for two years. All participants are living with food insecurity. The study will:

• Track their physical and mental health over time, including blood sugar levels, weight changes, muscle health, menopause symptoms, physical ability, and depression.
• Explore how social and environmental factors (like income, access to healthcare, or emotional stress) impact their health.
• Listen to their personal experiences to better understand how BED and food insecurity shape their lives.

This research will help doctors, community organizations, and policymakers better understand the unique health challenges faced by older women with BED who also struggle to access enough food. The long-term goal is to:

• Identify key risk factors and support needs,
• Create better, culturally relevant treatments and services,
• and push for policy changes that improve health outcomes in this underserved and often overlooked population.

In short, this study hopes to make sure that all women—regardless of age, income, or background—get the support they need to live healthier, fuller lives.

Media:

Science & Medicine: Studying eating disorders in older Hispanic women with food insecurity

A Community of Researchers – Trinity University

 

Publications:

Kilpela LS, Loera T, Wilfred SA, Salinas J, Cuauro SE, Becker CB. The additive psychosocial effects of binge eating and food insecurity among midlife and older women. Nutrients. 2025;(17(4):730