Associations between socio-demographic patterns, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder risk in women: a cluster-based approach

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between socio-demographic patterns and eating disorder (ED) risk in 298 women (mean age = 28.4 years). We focused on women, as existing research suggests that EDs disproportionately affect women. Within this sample, we took into account the intersections of different socio-demographic variables. Additionally, we assessed body dissatisfaction and subjective health status (S-HS) as self-reported measures to gain a more comprehensive understanding of ED risk. METHOD: We conducted a cluster analysis (k-means) using ten demographic variables (e.g., sexual orientation, migration history, presence of disabilities), which revealed three distinct participant clusters. Then, we applied two multiple logistic regression models using cluster membership, body dissatisfaction related to fat (BD-F) and muscularity (BD-M), and S-HS as determinants, with the outcome being ED risk measured using two scales (EAT-8; EDE-Q). RESULTS: Cluster Three - notably characterized by queer women with a migration history and identification as part of an ethnic minority - showed a consistently higher ED risk. In contrast, Cluster One, which included a higher proportion of older individuals as well as individuals with disabilities, or caregiving responsibilities, showed the lowest risk for ED. In Cluster Two an increased risk for EDs was observed in the EAT-8, but not in the EDE-Q, suggesting measurement-specific differences. BD-F and BD-M were significantly associated with ED risk. BD-F proved to be the factor with the strongest influence. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize the importance of considering person-centered socio-demographic positions and different forms of body dissatisfaction to assess the risk of ED.