A comparison of eating disorder patients in India and Australia

Abstract

Background:Eating disorders (EDs) are an emerging concern in India. There are few studies comparing clinical samples in western and nonwestern settings.Aim:The aim was to compare females aged 16–26 years being treated for an ED in India (outpatients n = 30) and Australia (outpatients n = 30, inpatients n = 30).Materials and Methods:Samples were matched by age and body mass index, and had similar diagnostic profiles. Demographic information and history of eating and exercise problems were assessed. All patients completed the quality-of-life for EDs (QOL EDs) questionnaire.Results:Indians felt they overate and binge ate more often than Australians; frequencies of food restriction, vomiting, and laxative use were similar. Indians were less aware of ED feelings, such as, “fear of losing control over food or eating” and “being preoccupied with food, eating or their body.” Indians felt eating and exercise had less impact on their relationships and social life but more impact on their medical health. No differences were found in the global quality-of-life, body weight, eating behaviors, psychological feelings, and exercise subscores for the three groups.Conclusion:Indian and Australian patients are similar but may differ in preoccupation and control of their ED-related feelings.

Prevalence of Eating Disorders and Its Associated Risk Factors in Students of a Medical College Hospital in South India

“…Early diagnosis is the key to reduce the prevalence and complications of these illnesses [11]. There are very few studies concerning eating disorders and their associated risk factors among the Indian population [12][13][14]. Hence, in this study, we aim to estimate the prevalence of eating disorders and their associated risk factors such as stress, body mass index (BMI), body shape concerns, and other factors among students of various disciplines in a medical college hospital.…”

What keeps Maya from eating? A case study of disordered eating from North India

“…Recently, Malhotra, Malhotra, and Pradhan (2014) have described two cases of adolescent girls who were diagnosed with anorexia in association with fear of fatness. These authors suggested that the clinical picture, risk factors, and response to treatment for anorexia in India “may be similar to that reported from the West” ( Malhotra et al., 2014 , p. 230; see also Lal et al., 2015 ). However, such claims are problematic in that they gloss over cases of food denial and extreme underweight as anorexia nervosa, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; APA, 2013 ), while the broader context including gender, political economy, and social history remains unaddressed (S. Lee, 1995 , 1996 , 2001 , 2004 ).…”

“…Given the significance of food and eating practices in India, there is surprisingly little scholarly literature on disordered eating. Most studies are case histories recorded by biomedical practitioners, particularly psychiatrists (but see Lal, Abraham, Parikh, & Chhibber, 2015 ; Srinivasan, Suresh, Jayaram, & Fernandez, 1995 ). For example, Chandra et al.…”

Eating Disorders: An Overview of Indian Research

“…[3] Perhaps, media-related glorification of “size zero” body type and culturally sanctioned drive for thinness, body shaming, and dissatisfaction have contributed to the recent upsurge of ED cases. [456] Traditionally, these parameters have been less of a concern in India than other countries. [4] Yet, another reason for the recent increase in the incidence of ED such as bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) is more easy access to media outlets promoting unhealthy body types and higher socioeconomic status of people.…”

“…[456] Traditionally, these parameters have been less of a concern in India than other countries. [4] Yet, another reason for the recent increase in the incidence of ED such as bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) is more easy access to media outlets promoting unhealthy body types and higher socioeconomic status of people. [78]…”