Eating Disorders in Ethnic Minorities: an Update

Purpose of Review

Eating disorders are recognized to occur across ethnic and racial groups. The aim of the present review was to examine recent advances in the understanding of the development, presentation, and intervention approaches specific to eating disorders among ethnic and racial minority groups.

Recent Findings

An increasing number of measures have been found to be useful tools for assessing eating disorder risk and symptoms among ethnic and racial minority populations. In addition, further evidence has emerged supporting the relationship between higher levels of eating disorder symptoms and acculturation stress, as well as investment in appearance ideals. In contrast, the relationship between ethnic identity and eating disorder symptoms is less consistent, although several studies suggest that positive ethnic identity may be protective. Finally, increasing efforts have been made to develop and implement culturally sensitive interventions by tailoring evidence-supported treatments.

Summary

Our understanding of and capacity to treat eating disorders among ethnic and racial minority groups continues to improve. However, further research is needed, particularly among neglected groups, such a smaller ethnic and racial groups, males, and intersecting minority statuses.