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Binge eating and purging in a multi-ethnic community sample
Pamela C Regan1, Fary M Cachelin
1Department of Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032-8227, USA. pregan@calstatela.edu
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|April 25, 2006
Summary
Eating disorder behaviors like binge eating and purging vary by sex and ethnicity. These findings highlight the need to consider both factors in disordered eating research.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions.
- Disordered eating behaviors include binge eating, purging, and misuse of weight control substances.
- Prevalence rates can differ across demographic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of binge eating, self-induced vomiting, and the use of laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills.
- To examine these behaviors within a multi-ethnic community sample.
- To investigate potential differences based on sex and ethnicity.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire based on DSM-IV criteria was administered.
- 1225 participants from Hispanic, Asian, black, and white communities completed the survey.
- Data were collected on binge eating and purging behaviors.
Main Results:
- Binge eating and purging were more prevalent in women than men across most ethnic groups, except for Asian men and women.
- Purging frequency differed among women of various ethnicities.
- Asian women reported lower rates of self-induced vomiting and misuse of weight control substances compared to Hispanic, black, and white women.
Conclusions:
- Sex and ethnicity are significant factors influencing disordered eating and weight control behaviors.
- Future research and clinical considerations should account for these demographic variables.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
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