Update on the epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders among Hispanic/Latinx Americans in the United States

Juan C. Hernández, Marisol Perez, Hans W. Hoek

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of reviewThis review provides a 6-year update on the prevalence and treatment of eating disorders among Hispanic/Latinx Americans in the United States.Recent findingsPrevalence of eating disorders tends to be lower in Hispanic/Latinx American adolescents and adults relative to non-Hispanic White peers. Numerous risk factors for disordered eating symptoms have been identified, including negative body image, depression, sexual assault and culturally specific risk factors, including ethnic discrimination and acculturative stress. Hispanic/Latinx individuals seek treatment less often with the most influential barriers being cost of treatment, eating disorder stigma, eating disorder shame and mental health shame in general. Limited research on the treatment for eating disorders continue to persist. Culturally adapted cognitive behavioural therapy yielded similar outcomes to traditional cognitive behaviour therapy and had better treatment adherence and retention rates.SummaryThe medical and sociopolitical climate of the United States has changed significantly since our previous review. The need for research on the effectiveness of eating disorder treatments for Hispanic/Latinx Americans remains important for one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)379-384
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Psychiatry
Volume35
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Hispanics
  • Latinx/o/a
  • eating disorders
  • epidemiology
  • treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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