Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Intermittent Binge-Intake Model in Mice
Published on: January 10, 2025
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
Objective:
The purpose of the present study is to document the frequency of three eating disorder-related behaviors (binge eating; self-induced vomiting; and use of laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills) among a multi-ethnic community sample.
Method:
A questionnaire was administered to 1225 Hispanic, Asian, black, and white women and men. Participants responded to items (based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for eating disorders) about binge eating and purging behavior.
Results:
Binge eating and purging were more common among women than among men in Hispanic, black, and white subsamples (frequency rates were similar among Asian men and women). Ethnic differences were found in frequency of purging among women (ethnicity was not associated with behavior rates among men). Fewer Asian than Hispanic, black, and white women induced vomiting and used laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills as weight control methods.
Conclusion:
The fact that frequency rates differed as a function of participant sex and ethnicity underscores the importance of considering both of these group variables when examining disordered eating and weight control behaviors.
Related Concept Videos
Binge Eating Disorders
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Surveys
