Eating disorders do not discriminate based on sociodemographic characteristics. In fact, eating disorders affect people of all ages, racial/ethnic groups, and gender identities. Despite this knowledge, eating disorders are infrequently discussed in the Black community. Still, it is important to understand how eating disorders may present in Black Americans and how they are perceived in the Black community. A recent article published by Dr. LaKeisha Fleming (2022) found that a lack of education, historical relationships with food, and inequities in treatment all influence disordered eating and treatment among Black Americans. Fleming’s findings highlight a need to better understand eating habits and reasons behind those habits as a first step toward improved health and healing. More information on eating disorders in Black Americans and related resources can be found here.
By Katie Olson
Katie is a first-year graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work, and this is her first year working in the Living F.R.E.E. Lab.
