This study has not been able to take into account all aspects of a person's mental and physical health, interpersonal relationships and lifestyle prior to the onset of an eating disorder. Therefore the study can show associations but cannot prove definite causation with any individual factor.

The researchers say that this research has implications for health service provision in the UK, which needs to recognise that women in mid-life can still be suffering from the effects of long-standing disorders, or be at risk of developing new disorders. Therefore better awareness of eating disorders and their symptoms is needed.