Creating Awareness About Eating Disorder Challenges in the Asian-American Culture

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Eating disorders do not discriminate against race, gender, culture, socioeconomic status, age or sexual orientation. Sadly, the many stereotypes that continue to circulate about these deadly psychiatric illnesses do nothing but create angst for those who are truly struggling, making it difficult to ask for help and admit the problems that may be at hand.

One of the common stereotypes about eating disorders is that these diseases only affect young, white adolescent females, and this could not be farther from the truth.

How Asian Americans Are Impacted

For the Asian Americans who may be creating a new life in this country, not fitting the “standard” model of what is considered beautiful by our society can certainly create intense pressure and stressors. Because Asian Americans may not fit the “Standard” model, in terms of what is expected when it comes to someone dealing with an eating disorder, a sufferer may feel more at odds about sharing their struggle or even in reaching out for help and support.

The common pressures that might be portrayed by an eating disorder sufferer may also look differently for the Asian American who is dealing with an eating disorder or attempting to assimilate into a “white” culture. Interestingly, a study completed by Lilian Huang Cummins at the Addictive Behaviors Research Center found that Asian-American college aged women experienced greater body dissatisfaction compared to their Caucasian counterparts.

Breaking the Stereotypes

Regardless of what the journey may have been that led an individual to a place where they are struggling with an eating disorder, professional help is warranted for treatment and recovery, regardless of race, culture or ethnicity. Challenging the stereotypes that are too often created and circulated about eating disorder sufferers can be effective in raising awareness, particularly among minority groups within America, ultimately helping all sufferers connect to help sooner than later. This can vastly improve the prognosis for those seeking recovery and healing.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What do you think are some of the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans who are dealing with an eating disorder?

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 24, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com