Researchers set out to test the common belief that eating disorders primarily affect individuals from more advantaged socio-economic groups. They conducted a systematic review based on 62 studies, albeit with most not being limited to children and youth. The authors did not find a consistent relationship between socio-economic status and eating disorders. Rather, individuals with eating disorders came from a wide range of backgrounds. These authors therefore challenged the stereotype that eating disorders disproportionately affect those who are advantaged. This insight can help practitioners and policy-makers in ensuring that identification, assessment and treatment are inclusive of all young people.

For more information, see Vol. 18, No. 1 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.