Faculty Collaboration Database

Correlates of binge eating in Hispanic, black, and white women. Int J Eat Disord 1998 Jul;24(1):43-52

Date

05/20/1998

Pubmed ID

9589310

DOI

10.1002/(sici)1098-108x(199807)24:1<43::aid-eat4>3.0.co;2-0

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the severity and correlates of binge eating in White, Black, and Hispanic women.

METHOD: Our sample consisted of 351 (55 White, 179 Black, and 117 Hispanic) women who were assessed on three proposed factors associated with binge eating (weight, depression, and ideal body image).

RESULTS: Our results showed that binge eating symptoms were more severe in our sample of Hispanic versus Black or White women. Across all ethnic groups, women who binged more were heavier, more depressed, and preferred a slimmer body ideal. Binge eating severity was predicted by weight and depression in Hispanics and by depression in Whites. None of the proposed factors significantly influenced binge eating in Blacks.

DISCUSSION: These results show ethnic differences in the correlates of binge eating and highlight the need for further comparative research on aberrant eating patterns.

Author List

Fitzgibbon ML, Spring B, Avellone ME, Blackman LR, Pingitore R, Stolley MR

Author

Melinda Stolley PhD Center Associate Director, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
African Americans
Body Image
Body Weight
Depression
European Continental Ancestry Group
Feeding and Eating Disorders
Female
Hispanic Americans
Humans
Middle Aged
Risk Factors
Self Concept