Researchers Confirm: Financial Difficulties Increase the Likelihood of Eating Disorders

Sada News - Researchers confirm that eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, social status, or body size. While there is a prevailing belief that eating disorders are typically associated with a higher standard of living, a recent study has shown that individuals facing financial difficulties are more likely to suffer from eating disorders such as binge eating, fasting, vomiting, or difficulties with bowel movements.

In the study conducted in the UK and published in the scientific journal Jama Network Open, researchers tracked the health status of 7,824 children, half of whom were male and the other half female, from birth until the age of 18. They found that children from families experiencing financial difficulties had an increased likelihood of developing eating disorders as they reached adolescence.

During the study, researchers examined the education level, job nature, and living standards of the children's parents, categorizing them into five income levels. When these children reached adolescence, the researchers assessed the prevalence of eating disorders among them. It was found that such disorders were more common among adolescents from families facing financial difficulties, aged between 14 and 18 years.

When evaluating the degree of financial difficulties faced by families on a scale from one to 15, it became evident that each point on the financial difficulties index was associated with a 6% increase in the likelihood of the child or adolescent developing a dietary disorder.

The study, reported by the medical research website Medical Express, found that parents with education levels not exceeding compulsory education had an 80% higher likelihood of having children with eating disorders compared to parents who held university degrees.

The study also noted that children from low-income families had a 34% to 35% higher likelihood of developing eating disorders compared to children from high-income families.

The study emphasized that awareness efforts regarding eating disorders in schools, health institutions, and family environments could help recognize this issue in a timely manner and initiate early treatment.