Journal of Obesity & Eating Disorders

Dying To Eat: The Under-Assessment of Eating Disorders in Marginalized Communities

Obesity has become a major health crisis in the United States and often leads to other significant health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. This epidemic has hit marginalized communities hardest, with unemployment, financial stress and poverty as strong indicators for weight gain and weight problems. This article explored factors that lead to obesity, mainly food insecurity and early childhood trauma. We conclude that to address this epidemic, obesity needs to be viewed from a social justice perspective as well as a clinical perspective. Individuals of color are not being assessed for eating disorders, leaving pathological eating patterns and motivations unaddressed and ultimately untreated.

Author(s): Stacie Leev Woodland

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