Researchers Confirm: Financial Difficulties Increase the Likelihood of Eating Disorders

SadaNews - Researchers confirm that eating disorders can affect any individual regardless of age, gender, race, social status, and body size. While there is a prevailing belief that eating disorders are often associated with a higher standard of living, a recent study has proven that individuals facing financial difficulties are more likely to suffer from eating disorders such as binge eating, fasting, purging, 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 they reached the age of 18. It was found that children belonging to families experiencing financial difficulties had increased odds of developing eating disorders as they reached adolescence.

During the study, researchers examined the educational level, job nature, and living standards of the parents of the children involved in the study, categorizing them into five categories based on income levels. When these children reached adolescence, researchers assessed the prevalence of eating disorders among them. It was noted that these types of disorders increased among adolescents aged 14 to 18 belonging to families facing financial difficulties.

When evaluating the degree of financial difficulties for families on a scale from one to 15, it was revealed that each point on the financial difficulties index corresponds to a 6% increase in the likelihood of the child or adolescent having a nutritional disorder.

The study reported by the website "Medical Express," which specializes in medical research, found that parents whose education did not exceed mandatory schooling had an 80% higher probability of having children with food disorders compared to parents who obtained university degrees.

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

The study emphasized that awareness efforts concerning the issue of eating disorders in schools, health institutions, and the family environment could help in recognizing this problem in a timely manner and commencing early treatment.