Eating Disorders in Minorities: The Unique Challenges They Face

Written by CCTC Staff Writer

Minorities often face unique challenges when it comes to seeking treatment for their eating disorders. Spreading this awareness is critical to help more people get the help they deserve to recover from their eating disorder.

In this blog post, we will explore: 

• The dangerous stereotypes around eating disorders

• How eating disorders impact those in the LGBTQ+ community 

• How eating disorders impact those with disabilities

• Eating disorders in the Asian community 

• Eating disorders in the Latinx community

• Eating disorders in the Black community 

Breaking the Stereotype Around Eating Disorders

When people think of eating disorders it’s not uncommon for many to envision a young, white, wealthy female who appears to be thin. Unfortunately, our culture has created a stereotypical “look” to associate eating disorders with. This idea that eating disorders only affect people of a certain age, race and weight is incredibly dangerous. The truth is, eating disorders affect millions of people. This illness does not discriminate and impacts people of all ages, ethnicities and races, all genders and sexual identities. Not to mention that most of those struggling with an eating disorder will never be considered underweight. Breaking the stereotype we have envisioned around eating disorders can help those struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and any eating disorder behaviors to get the help they need. When this misconception of who can struggle exists, many are left struggling alone in the dark. It is important to understand the realities of this illness to help ourselves, or a friend or family member, receive the care and support they need to recover. 

Eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ community 

Eating disorders disproportionately impact many segments of the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges that may put them at an increased risk to develop an eating disorder. Research has found that gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens beginning as young as age 12 may be at a higher risk of binge-eating and purging than heterosexual peers. 

What factors play a role in LGBTQ+ developing an eating disorder?

Many of those who identify as LGBTQ+ fear rejection or disapproval from friends, family or co-workers or have experienced rejection that reinforce negative messages and beliefs about oneself. The experience of discrimination and/or bullying due to one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity can also increase the experience of anxiety, depression and isolation. 

What barriers to support and treatment do LGBTQ+ face? 

LGBTQ+ face challenges when seeking and accessing treatment and support. This includes a lack of culturally-competent treatment, which addresses sexuality and gender identity issues. Many LGBTQ+ resource providers that may be able to detect and intervene may lack the education on eating disorders to be able to do so. Additionally, lack of support from family and friends may put LGBTQ+ children, teens and adults in an even less advantaged position to receive the help they need. 

Research on LGBTQ+ People & Eating Disorders

• In one study, gay and bisexual boys reported being significantly more likely to have fasted, vomited, or taken laxatives or diet pills to control their weight in the last 30 days.

• Gay males were seven times more likely to report binging and 12 times more likely to report purging than heterosexual males.

• Compared with heterosexual men, gay and bisexual men had a significantly higher prevalence of lifetime full syndrome bulimia, subclinical bulimia, and any subclinical eating disorder.

• Females identified as lesbian, bisexual, or mostly heterosexual were about twice as likely to report binge-eating at least once per month in the last year.

• Elevated rates of binge-eating and purging by vomiting or laxative abuse was found for people who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or “mostly heterosexual” in comparison to their heterosexual peers.

• A sense of connectedness to the gay community was related to fewer current eating disorders, which suggests that feeling connected to the gay community may have a protective effect against eating disorders.

Eating Disorders in the Disability Community 

People with disabilities constitute the largest minority group in the United States, making up an estimated 20 percent of the total population. It is a diverse group, crossing lines of age, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Mental Health in 2000 showed that women with physical disabilities were more likely to develop eating disorders.

Why is the disabled community at an increased risk of developing an eating disorder? 

Disabilities are conditions that significantly impact or limit one or more major life activities and can be physical, emotional or intellectual. Living with a disability can come with challenges especially from the prejudice, oppression and exclusion that may be experienced from the non-disablied majority.  People with disabilities often experience the same pressures to meet unrealistic body standards and are as likely as their able-bodied counterparts to develop eating disorders and disordered body image.

What barriers to support and treatment do disabled folks face? 

Disabled folks may have difficulty finding appropriate help due to limited specialists that deal with feed and eating disorders who also have expertise with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or other disorders. Those with disabilities face increased living expenses vs those not living with disabilities, so accessing costly treatment can be an additional challenge. If treatment available is not nearby or easily accessible, those not able to get from place to place without a lot of planning or support can make it challenging to get care in a traditional way. Eating disorder behaviors may also go unnoticed by professionals who do not have experience with eating disorders by focusing on other symptoms of the disability or suggesting dieting or weight loss in an attempt to increase mobility. 

Eating Disorders in The Asian Community 

A study released in 2011 by the International Journal of Eating Disorders found that similar rates of Anorexia and Binge Eating Disorder were found among all ethnic groups, including Asian-Americans. Unfortunately, Asian-Americans had the lowest rate of service utilization of any ehtnic group, meaning they are seeking help in smaller numbers compared to other groups. In another study, Asian American women demonstrate higher rates of disordered eating than other women of color. A 2014 article published by the Asian American Journal of Psychology reviewed narratives written by 109 Asian-American women. All women had concerns about eating, their body, and their weight. The causes were related to cultural emphasis on thinness, family criticism of weight, and comparison to other Asian women. 

What barriers to support and treatment do Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders face? 

Mental health issues in API communities are stigmatized and parents may feel ashamed or it will be viewed as one being “crazy.” Finding a therapist or other mental health support in the API community can be difficult and isolating. Additionally, eating disorders are often overlooked by doctors and healthcare professionals in a person of color. 

Eating Disorders in the Latinx Community 

Data from different studies show that eating disorders in the Latino community are at similar or even higher prevalence compared to non-Latino Whites. Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent type of eating disorder in the Latinx community. Cultural factors including an emphasis on family and food, and a simultaneous focus on weight and body can make it an easy environment to develop disordered eating patterns. . 

What barriers to support and treatment do those in the Latinx community face? 

Lack of health insurance, lack of bilingual services and lack of information about services can prevent those in the Latinx community from seeking the help they need. Similarly to those in the API community, Latinx families may find it hard to understand a mental health issue versus a physical one. 

Eating Disorders in the Black Community 

Those in the black community experience a disproportionate amount of trauma, violence, and adverse childhood experiences compared to white people. These experiences can directly link to the development of eating disorders. Poverty and food insecurity can also contribute to the development of disordered behaviors since when one cannot afford the foods they want or need, they may binge when they are able to get these foods. Binge Eating Disorder is the most commonly experienced eating disorder for Black people. Historically Black people have dealt with medical mistrust and mistreatment, which can decrease the likelihood of someone turning to a medical professional to receive support or treatment. 

Related: Invisibility of Eating Disorders in the Black Community

What barriers to support and treatment do those in the Black community face? 

 Similar to those in Asian and Latinx communities, those in the Black community may face cultural barriers with stigma around mental health issues, along with insurance and financial barriers that prevent them from lacking appropriate treatment. 

Finding Support as a Minority 

While these barriers exist, it is important to know that there are resources and help available to help all find a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. Spreading awareness about eating disorders, their impact and treatment options will help people struggling in silence to find the support they need. A great resource for educating yourself on eating disorders is the National Eating Disorders Association website where you can find information and screening tools. 

If you are or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, take the first step today and talk to someone about recovery or simply learn more about the holistic eating disorder recovery programs we offer here at Central Coast Treatment Center.