Socio-economic hardship in a family significantly increases the risk of developing dangerous symptoms of eating disorders (EDs) in children and adolescents, reports infohub.kz.
Teenagers from low-income families and those with unfavorable socio-economic status are much more likely to face the risk of developing eating disorders. The study showed that severe financial strain, parental unemployment, and food insecurity directly affect the mental and physical health of minors.
Adolescents from vulnerable social groups more often exhibit dangerous behavioral patterns, including regular binge eating, strict uncontrolled dietary restrictions, self-induced vomiting, and unjustified use of weight-loss drugs. Contrary to the common stereotype that eating disorders primarily affect children from affluent families, actual statistics point to the high vulnerability of disadvantaged populations.
The authors emphasize that chronic stress due to lack of resources, limited access to quality and healthy food, and restricted availability of timely psychological support exacerbate the situation. Scientists urge government agencies and medical services to pay special attention to screening for eating disorders among at-risk adolescents for early prevention and provision of necessary support.