Are Eating Disorders Missed in People of Color? Yes, and Here’s Why

Eating disorders affect people of all races and ethnicities, but they are frequently underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or dismissed in Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and other communities of color. This lack of recognition leads to delayed treatment, increased medical risks, and worse recovery outcomes compared to white individuals.

Despite common stereotypes that eating disorders mainly affect thin, white women, research shows that people of color are just as likely—or in some cases, more likely—to struggle with disordered eating.

Why Are Eating Disorders Often Missed in People of Color?

·         Key Barriers to Diagnosis & Treatment

·         Stereotypes About Who “Gets” Eating Disorders

o   Doctors, therapists, and even family members may assume eating disorders only affect thin, white, wealthy women

o   This leads to misdiagnosis or dismissal when a person of color presents with disordered eating

·         Different Cultural Body Norms & Beauty Standards

o   Some cultures embrace fuller body types, making weight loss or restriction less noticeable

o   In some families, discussing body image or mental health may be taboo, leading to silent struggles

·         Healthcare Bias & Racial Disparities in Medicine

o   Doctors are less likely to screen people of color for eating disorders, even when symptoms are present

o   Studies show Black, Latinx, and Asian patients are less likely to be diagnosed or referred for ED treatment than white patients

·         Disordered Eating Can Look Different Across Cultures

o   Some communities have higher rates of binge eating, laxative use, or emotional eating, but these behaviors are less studied than anorexia and bulimia     

• In some cultures, fasting, food control, or extreme dieting may be normalized, making EDs harder to identify.

• Limited Access to Culturally Competent eating disorder Treatment

• Many eating disorder treatment programs lack diversity in staff and approaches

• Language barriers, financial constraints, and lack of insurance make treatment harder to access

• Systemic racism, stereotypes, and healthcare bias all contribute to eating disorders being underdiagnosed in people of color.

Do Eating Disorders Present Differently in People of Color?

How Eating Disorders May Differ by Race & Ethnicity

Racial/Ethnic Group

Commonly Reported ED Patterns

Barriers to Diagnosis

Black Americans

Higher rates of binge eating & emotional eating; body image concerns shaped by cultural factors.

Less likely to be diagnosed or referred for treatment; EDs seen as a "white issue."

Latinx Americans

High rates of binge eating, food guilt, & diet pill/laxative use; strong family emphasis on food.

Stigma around mental health; treatment programs rarely offer bilingual or culturally aware care.

Asian Americans

High rates of anorexia, orthorexia, & food restriction; diet culture influences from both Western & Asian beauty standards.

Eating disorders dismissed as “not serious” due to lower obesity rates; mental health is often stigmatized.

Indigenous (Native American/Alaska Native)

High rates of binge eating & emotional eating, often linked to historical trauma & food scarcity.

Lack of access to treatment on reservations; generational trauma & mistrust of medical systems.

Middle Eastern/North African

High rates of dieting, fasting behaviors, & restrictive eating; body image pressures often tied to family & marriage expectations.

Limited research & cultural stigma prevent open discussion of EDs.

 Eating disorders don’t look the same in every community—culturally specific behaviors must be recognized to ensure proper diagnosis.

What Are the Consequences of Misdiagnosed or Ignored EDs in People of Color?

·         Delayed Treatment = Higher Medical Risks

o   By the time a person of color gets diagnosed, their eating disorder is often more severe

o   Late treatment leads to increased risk of heart failure, digestive issues, osteoporosis, & metabolic damage

·         Higher Rates of Untreated Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

o   Black & Latinx individuals have higher rates of BED but are less likely to receive treatment

o   BED leads to long-term health risks like diabetes, high blood pressure, & depression

·         Worsened Mental Health & Trauma

o   Unacknowledged ED struggles lead to increased anxiety, depression, & self-harm

o   Many people of color report feeling unheard or invalidated when they seek help for their eating disorder

·         Delays in diagnosis and treatment increase health risks and worsen recovery outcomes for people of color.

How Can We Improve ED Diagnosis & Treatment in People of Color?

·         Steps Toward Better Recognition and Care

o   Challenge the Stereotype That eating disorders Only Affect White People

§  Healthcare professionals must be trained to recognize eating disorders in diverse racial & ethnic groups

§  Research & media representation must include eating disorder struggles in BIPOC communities

§  People of color must feel empowered to seek help without stigma

o   Improve Access to Culturally Competent eating disorder Treatment

§  More therapists & dietitians of color are needed in the eating disorder field

§  Bilingual therapy & culturally inclusive treatment plans should be standard

§  Address financial barriers by expanding eating disorder care through community programs

o   Recognize Different ED Presentations

o   Doctors should screen ALL patients for eating disorders, regardless of race, body size, or background

o   Mental health stigma should be addressed in culturally specific ways

o   Medical providers should listen when BIPOC patients express concerns about food, weight, or body image

o   Systemic changes in healthcare, research, and treatment accessibility are necessary to reduce disparities in eating disorder care

Summary: Are Eating Disorders Missed in People of Color?

·         Yes, EDs are frequently underdiagnosed in Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and other communities of color

·         Stereotypes, healthcare bias, and cultural differences in eating disorder behaviors all contribute to this problem

·         Delayed treatment leads to worse health outcomes for people of color struggling with eating disorders

·         We need culturally competent ED care, better screening, and more diverse research.

Eating disorders don’t discriminate—but the healthcare system does. Every person, regardless of race or background, deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with respect in their ED recovery.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate help, please contact a healthcare professional or crisis intervention service immediately.