When hearing the phrase “eating disorder,” many of us might picture a young, white, very thin female who does not eat. However, such assumptions are harmful and unproductive. While statistics show that eating disorders are more prevalent among females, with a lifetime prevalence of 8.60%, compared to males, with a prevalence of 4.07% (Deloitte Access Economics) the reality is far more complex. It is crucial to educate ourselves and approach this topic with empathy. By doing so, we can learn how to identify warning signs, offer support, know where to seek help and recognize and advocate for vulnerable and underserved populations. So, let us clear up some of those misconceptions.
Eating disorders are a group of serious mental and physical illnesses, and while a specific cause is unknown it is these disorders may be the result of a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors. They involve how a person feels about themselves, their appearance, and how they interpret how others see them. Their relationship with food is a source of control and can lead to dangerous eating behaviors. Eating disorders can also be linked to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are commonly known disorders. However, there are lesser-known ones that people should be made aware of. Avoidant/Restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), Pica, Rumination Disorder, and Other specified feeding & eating disorders are just as harmful to the body and mind and carry life-threatening complications. (Guarda) Common warning signs include skipping meals or limiting food intake, too much focus on food, losing weight, looking for flaws, eating alone, worrying about eating, isolation, repeatedly eating a lot of food, and constant talk of depression, disgust, shame, or guilt about eating habits. (“Eating disorders – Symptoms and causes”) A person can have multiple eating disorders at the same time.
ANYONE can develop an eating disorder, but not everyone receives the same treatment. Males, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, overweight or obese individuals, and people who fall under certain socioeconomic classes are less likely to get a diagnosis and face obstacles in getting treatment. These groups meet stigmas, discrimination, and stereotyping. (Fuller) Below are examples of these disparities.
“Toxic masculinity’s impact on some men’s ability to acknowledge their struggle or seek help” (“Overview of Treatment Barriers”).
“A shortage of culturally competent and affirming treatment, including insufficient eating disorders education among LGBTQIA+ resource providers who can detect and intervene as well as a lack of eating disorder specialists who are trained to work with LGBTQIA+ individuals” (“Eating Disorders In LGBTQIA+ Populations – NEDA”).
“BIPOC patients with eating and weight concerns are significantly less likely to be asked about eating disorder symptoms by their doctor than are non-minority patients.” In some cultures Eating disorders are signs of weakness and talking about negative emotions is often shunned. (NEDA)
“Eating disorders are common among children and teens. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 youth aged 11 to 17 exhibit symptoms of disordered eating patterns” (Hilbert).
“Black teenagers are 50% more likely than white teenagers to exhibit bulimic behavior, such as binging and purging”(“African American Eating Disorder Statistics”).
“… researchers have found that Hispanics were significantly more likely to suffer from bulimia nervosa than their non-Hispanic peers”(“Eating Disorders in Minorities & Marginalized Groups”).
Many overweight or obese children experience bullying at some point. They get teased, taunted, and made fun of because of their weight and appearance. “Bullying creates the perfect environment for eating disorders to develop” (Ekern).
These are urgent issues that we need to address. It is vital that everyone feels safe and supported when seeking support and treatment that caters to their specific backgrounds and needs. If you suspect your child/loved one is showing symptoms, talk to them about it and let them know you care about their well-being. This creates an environment of support and acceptance, which encourages children to be more open with their parents or caregivers.
Recovery is attainable, and we can all play a role in helping these groups by raising awareness and breaking down stigmas and stereotypes. Please remember that eating disorders are not about choice, and like most diseases, they do not discriminate and can disrupt lives, affecting us all. Let us make every day an eating disorder awareness day and support those that are hurting. Someone you know, or love may be struggling with an eating disorder.
Additional Resources:
Works Cited
“African American Eating Disorder Statistics.” Center For Discovery, https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/african-american-eating-disorder-statistics/. Accessed 23 February 2024.
Deloitte Access Economics. “The Social and Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in the United States of America: A Report for the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders and the Academy for Eating Disorders.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, June 2020, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/striped/report-economic-costs-of-eating-disorders/. Accessed 23 February 2024.
“Eating Disorders In LGBTQIA+ Populations – NEDA.” National Eating Disorders Association, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/eating-disorders-in-lgbtqia-populations/. Accessed 23 February 2024.
“Eating Disorders in Minorities & Marginalized Groups.” Center For Discovery, https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/causes-for-eating-disorder-minorities/. Accessed 23 February 2024.
“Eating disorders – Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic, 28 March 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603. Accessed 23 February 2024.
Ekern, Jacquelyn. “When Children with Obesity Develop Eating Disorders.” Eating Disorder Hope, https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/risk-groups/eating-disorders-adolescents/childhood-obesity-and-the-development-of-eating-disorders. Accessed 23 February 2024.
Fuller, Kristen. “We Are Failing at Treating Eating Disorders in Minorities.” Psychology Today, 28 February 2019, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/201902/we-are-failing-treating-eating-disorders-in-minorities. Accessed 23 February 2024.
Guarda, Angela. “Psychiatry.org – eating disorders.” American Psychiatric Association, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/eating-disorders. Accessed 23 February 2024.
Hilbert, Anja. “Nutrients | Free Full-Text | Childhood Eating and Feeding Disturbances.” MDPI, 1 April 2020, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/972. Accessed 23 February 2024.
NEDA. “bipoc-and-eating-disorders.” NEDA, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/bipoc-and-eating-disorders/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoeGuBhCBARIsAGfKY7zgs9CxV6WIaiHnwf4fw8kTfubDI6B2MuEsq6QlHOMWXCVGXbub60QaAlN5EALw_wcB. Accessed 23 February 2024.
“Overview of Treatment Barriers.” Project HEAL, https://www.theprojectheal.org/overview-of-treatment-barriers. Accessed 23 February 2024.