Barriers Individuals From Racial-Ethnic Minority Groups Face in Accessing Eating Disorder Treatment and Proposed Solutions

Estimates indicate that one in five women and one in seven men in the United States will develop an eating disorder. Research suggests that individuals from racial-ethnic minority groups experience eating disorders at rates similar to or higher than their White counterparts. However, individuals from racial-ethnic minority groups are less likely to receive a diagnosis or treatment. As a result, these individuals continue to face substantial barriers to eating disorder treatment. The authors aimed to examine these barriers and explore potential solutions. Barriers to eating disorder treatment faced by individuals from racial-ethnic minority groups include cultural stigma, biased diagnostic criteria, unequal access to health care, and provider bias. The underrepresentation of racial-ethnic minority groups in eating disorder research perpetuates these inequities and limits a comprehensive understanding of how eating disorders affect individuals from these communities. Dismantling these barriers requires addressing cultural stigma and developing culturally relevant diagnostic tools. Expansion of insurance coverage and improved geographic accessibility of eating disorder treatment are essential. Equally important is increased cultural competence of health care providers. Finally, the inclusion of racial-ethnic minority populations in eating disorder research is critical to ensure that treatment is relevant, effective, and accessible. By addressing these barriers and implementing the proposed solutions, institutions can foster a more equitable approach to eating disorder treatment, providing all individuals with access to the support required for recovery. Although the policy landscape related to addressing racial-ethnic disparities has changed, institutions can still take steps to improve the inclusivity of eating disorder treatment and research.