Can menopause trigger body image struggles—or even increase the risk of disordered eating?
As hormones shift and our bodies change, many women find themselves navigating a complex mix of metabolic changes, body dissatisfaction, and conflicting messages about what aging “should” look like.
In Part 1 of our conversation with registered dietitian and internationally recognized eating disorder expert Jessica Setnick, Laura Cipullo and Shannon Herbert explore the intersection of menopause, body image, eating disorders, and insulin resistance. Together, they discuss why midlife can be a particularly vulnerable time for women, how body image concerns evolve throughout adulthood, and why eating disorders don’t have an age limit.
Jessica also shares her personal experiences with body image and body acceptance, offering an honest and compassionate perspective on aging in a culture that often celebrates youth while stigmatizing natural body changes.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why menopause can intensify body image concerns
- How hormonal changes and insulin resistance influence metabolism and overall health
- The connection between menopause and eating disorder risk
- Why eating disorders can emerge—or re-emerge—during midlife
- Jessica Setnick’s personal journey toward body acceptance
- Practical strategies for navigating body changes with self-compassion instead of self-criticism
- How healthcare professionals can better support women through menopause without reinforcing diet culture
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, supporting someone through this transition, or you’re a healthcare professional working with women in midlife, this episode offers evidence-based insights and practical guidance for cultivating a healthier relationship with food, your body, and the aging process.
About Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDS-C
Jessica Setnick is a registered dietitian and internationally recognized eating disorder expert with decades of experience helping individuals recover from eating disorders. She is a sought-after educator, speaker, and advocate dedicated to improving eating disorder care through compassionate, evidence-based nutrition counseling and professional education.
You can learn more about Jessica’s work at her website, https://www.jessicasetnick.com/
Don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into looksmaxxing, social media’s influence on body image, the Four Hungers framework, and the essential questions every healthcare provider should ask to identify eating disorders earlier.
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