Cultural Aspects of Eating Disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders have long been considered to have important cultural determinants. They are said to be rare in both sexes in developing countries and in men in Western societies. Pressures to maintain a slim body shape and the changing role of women in society are said to be central. In this article the evidence for the role of cultural factors is evaluated and new directions for research suggested. It is concluded that although there are striking variations in the incidence and pattern of eating disorders, many of our ideas on putative cultural mechanisms remain confused and lacking in empirical support. The study of cultural variation may, nevertheless, hold the key to the aetiology of these disorders.