Eating across borders: a scoping review of eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction in migrant populations

Summary & key facts

This scoping review looked at research on eating disorders (EDs) and body image dissatisfaction (BID) in migrant groups. The authors searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science up to January 2023 and included 11 studies from 899 records. The studies show mixed and varying prevalence numbers, examples of ED cases linked with migration experiences, and common reports that migrants in Western countries often prefer thinner body types. The review says ED and BID in migrants are shaped by many factors, including migration stress, culture, and ethnic identity, and that cultural heritage can sometimes reduce risk.

Key facts:

• The review searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science from their start dates through January 2023 and screened 899 records.
• Eleven studies met the review criteria and were included in the final analysis.
• In certain populations reported by the included studies, the overall prevalence of eating disorders was 5.8%.
• Binge eating disorder was reported at a rate of 1.7% in those same populations.
• The included studies show mixed and varying prevalence rates of eating disorders across different migrant groups, not a single consistent rate.
• Clinical case reports in the review describe how migration route, culture, and existing psychopathology can intersect in how eating disorders present.
• Studies of body image found a common preference for thinner bodies among migrants living in Western countries, a pattern the authors say is likely influenced by exposure to Western cultural norms.
• The review notes that cultural practices and ethnic identity can both increase risk (for example through food- or body-related biases) and sometimes act as protective or mitigating factors.

Abstract

Migration poses a myriad of challenges to migrants' mental well-being, including eating disorders (EDs) and body image dissatisfaction (BID). This review aims to explore the prevalence and characteristics of EDs and BID among migrant populations. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception to January 2023. Using search terms encompassing ED/BID and migrant populations, 11 studies were selected from an initial pool of 899 records. Epidemiological studies demonstrate varying prevalence rates of ED among migrant groups, presenting mixed data. In certain populations, the global prevalence of EDs was reported at 5.8%, with binge eating disorder specifically observed at a rate of 1.7%. Clinical cases reveal how the migratory route, culture and psychopathology intersect in ED presentations. Cultural practices and ethnic identity can influence ED development, often exacerbated by biases related to food and body image. Conversely, cultural heritage may serve as a mitigating factor. Studies on BID reveal a prevalent preference for thinner bodies among migrants in Western nations, likely influenced by exposure to Western cultural norms and ideals. The present findings underscore the complex phenomenology of ED and BID in migrant populations, influenced by a multitude of factors including migration-related stress and cultural constructs.

Topics

Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies Eating Disorders and Behaviors Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research

Categories

Clinical Psychology Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Anthropology Clinical psychology Eating disorders Ethnic group Medicine Mental health Psychiatry Psychology Psychopathology Sociology