Eating disturbances among American minority groups: a review
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Updated: Nov 5, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
M Crago1, C M Shisslak, L S Estes
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson 85719, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this paper was to review the research literature related to eating behaviors and disturbances among American minority groups.
Method:
A computer-based literature search was conducted to locate articles pertaining to this topic.
Results:
This review indicates that, compared to Caucasian females, eating disturbances are equally common among Hispanic females, more frequent among Native Americans, and less frequent among Black and Asian American females. Risk factors for eating disorders (EDs) are greater among minority females who are younger, heavier, better educated, and more identified with White, middle-class values.
Discussion:
Further studies of EDs among American minority groups are needed, especially studies that are longitudinal and developmental in nature and that focus more specifically on the effects of racism in the development of EDs.
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