Socio-economic variables and eating disorders: a comparison between patients and normal controls

Previous research demonstrates that the relationship between socio-economic status (SES) and eating disorders is not consistent. The present study compares SES and demographic factors among Swedish women, randomly drawn from the population register and female patients seen for treatment.

223 consecutive eating disorder patients (ED) between 18 and 24 years of age (anorexia, n=26, bulimia, n=127, Eating disorder not otherwise specified, n=70) were compared with 750 normal controls (CONT) between 18 and 24 years of age. Both groups were assessed using the same questionnaire regarding SES and demographic factors.

ED's have a higher SES background and live in more privileged socio-demographic areas than CONT. ED's have lower social status, have more separations, and are more often single than CONT.

These data demonstrate a connection between high socio-economic and demographic data, low social status and eating disorder patients compared to normal controls.