A new study has revealed that black girls are 50 percent more likely than white girls to suffer from the eating disorder bulimia.
A new study has revealed that black girls are 50 percent more likely than white girls to suffer from the eating disorder bulimia.
The findings of the study led by researchers from University of Southern California, University of Maryland and Universitat de Autonoma Barcelona, Spain, challenge the widespread perception that bulimia primarily affects the privileged.
Bulimia Nervosa - Incidence Types Causes Treament Effects FAQs
The term 'Bulimia' refers to episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating, known as "binges," followed by self-induced vomiting or purgation.
The term 'Bulimia' refers to episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating, known as "binges," followed by self-induced vomiting or purgation.
"As it turns out, we learned something surprising from our data about who bulimia actually affects, not just who is diagnosed," said USC economist Michelle Goeree.
In the study involving 2300 schoolgirls, the findings revealed that black girls were 50 percent more likely than their white counterparts to exhibit bulimic behaviour, including both binging and purging.
Quiz on Anorexia / Bulimia
Anorexia Nervosa – is it a psychological disorder , or simply an eating disorder gotten out of hand? And how does it differ from Bulimia Nervosa? Participate in our anorexia quiz to find out how well you understand this condition; learn its modern-day implications and how, in these mordern times, it affects both sexes equally .
Anorexia Nervosa – is it a psychological disorder , or simply an eating disorder gotten out of hand? And how does it differ from Bulimia Nervosa? Participate in our anorexia quiz to find out how well you understand this condition; learn its modern-day implications and how, in these mordern times, it affects both sexes equally .
Moreover, girls from families in the lowest income bracket studied were 153 percent more likely to be bulimic than girls from the highest income bracket.
Advertisement
For girls whose parents had a high school education or less, the rate of bulimia was more than double - 3.3 percent were bulimic.
Advertisement
Anorexia Nervosa - Types Complications Causes Treatment FAQs
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder most commonly found among teenage girls. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a very low body weight, generally defined as 15% below the Body Mass Index.
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder most commonly found among teenage girls. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a very low body weight, generally defined as 15% below the Body Mass Index.
For girls whose parents had a high school education or less, the rate of bulimia was more than double - 3.3 percent were bulimic.
According to Goeree, past research has over-relied on hospital admission data, creating a "sample selection bias" that overlooks those who exhibit bulimic behaviour but do not receive - or have the means to receive - professional help.
"One explanation is straightforward: Girls with an eating disorder who are African American or come from low-income families are much less likely to be diagnosed. Who goes to the hospital? Those who have insurance. Who tends to have insurance? Wealthier, better-educated people," Goeree said.
Source-ANI
SRM
