A review of eating disorders in immigrant women: Possible evidence for a culture-change model

A review of the literature indicates that many women who immigrate to Western countries are also at risk for developing eating disorders, and cultural, familial, and developmental risk factors are reviewed.

Abstract

Abstract The cross-cultural study of eating disorders focuses primarily on the prevalence of eating disorders in non-Western countries or among ethnic minorities in the West. Many of these studies suggest that the prevalence of eating disorders in these groups is increasing. and that the increase is often related to the extent to which a particular country or individual adopts Western culture. A review of the literature, indicates that many women who immigrate to Western countries are also at risk for developing eating disorders. Cultural, familial, and developmental risk factors are reviewed. Implications for the classification of eating disorders are also addressed.