Are eating disorders culture-bound syndromes? Implications for conceptualizing their etiology.

Abstract

The authors explore the extent to which eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), represent culture-bound syndromes and discuss implications for conceptualizing the role genes play in their etiology. The examination is divided into 3 sections: a quantitative meta-analysis of changes in incidence rates since the formal recognition of AN and BN, a qualitative summary of historical evidence of eating disorders before their formal recognition, and an evaluation of the presence of these disorders in non-Western cultures. Findings suggest that BN is a culture-bound syndrome and AN is not. Thus, heritability estimates for BN may show greater variability cross-culturally than heritability estimates for AN, and the genetic bases of these disorders may be associated with differential pathoplasticity.

The changing profile of eating disorders and related sociocultural factors in Japan between 1700 and 2020: A systematic scoping review

“…These findings challenges early etiological theories of EDs which posit that the development of EDs in non‐Western countries is mainly attributed to Western influences (Prince, 1985). In contrast, these findings are consistent with relatively recent literature indicating that AN is not a culturally‐bound syndrome (Keel & Klump, 2003).…”

The changing profile of eating disorders and related sociocultural factors in Japan between 1700 and 2020: A systematic scoping review

“…These findings challenges early etiological theories of EDs which posit that the development of EDs in non‐Western countries is mainly attributed to Western influences (Prince, 1985). In contrast, these findings are consistent with relatively recent literature indicating that AN is not a culturally‐bound syndrome (Keel & Klump, 2003).…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Eating Disorders among Children and Adolescents Engaged in Sports: A Cross-sectional Study

“… 19 As sports participation is seen highest in young adolescent elite athletes the tendency of developing eating disorders is also remarkable among them. 13 – 15 This is in accordance to a study conducted by Goossens et al 9 where adolescent aesthetic athletes exhibit more eating pathology as compared to the general population.…”

Unhealthy weight control behaviors among Ethiopian female adolescents

“…Although current evidence suggests that disordered eating occurs in a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socio‐economic groups (Keel & Klump, ; Miller & Pumariega, ; Nakai, Nin, & Noma, ; Pike & Dunne, ), our study only found a strong association between medium and high socio‐economic status and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Inconsistent findings have also been reported among studies conducted in non‐western countries.…”

The changing profile of eating disorders and related sociocultural factors in Japan between 1700 and 2020: A systematic scoping review

“…These findings challenges early etiological theories of EDs which posit that the development of EDs in non‐Western countries is mainly attributed to Western influences (Prince, 1985). In contrast, these findings are consistent with relatively recent literature indicating that AN is not a culturally‐bound syndrome (Keel & Klump, 2003).…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Eating Disorders among Children and Adolescents Engaged in Sports: A Cross-sectional Study

“… 19 As sports participation is seen highest in young adolescent elite athletes the tendency of developing eating disorders is also remarkable among them. 13 – 15 This is in accordance to a study conducted by Goossens et al 9 where adolescent aesthetic athletes exhibit more eating pathology as compared to the general population.…”

Unhealthy weight control behaviors among Ethiopian female adolescents

“…Although current evidence suggests that disordered eating occurs in a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socio‐economic groups (Keel & Klump, ; Miller & Pumariega, ; Nakai, Nin, & Noma, ; Pike & Dunne, ), our study only found a strong association between medium and high socio‐economic status and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Inconsistent findings have also been reported among studies conducted in non‐western countries.…”

The changing profile of eating disorders and related sociocultural factors in Japan between 1700 and 2020: A systematic scoping review

“…These findings challenges early etiological theories of EDs which posit that the development of EDs in non‐Western countries is mainly attributed to Western influences (Prince, 1985). In contrast, these findings are consistent with relatively recent literature indicating that AN is not a culturally‐bound syndrome (Keel & Klump, 2003).…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Eating Disorders among Children and Adolescents Engaged in Sports: A Cross-sectional Study

“… 19 As sports participation is seen highest in young adolescent elite athletes the tendency of developing eating disorders is also remarkable among them. 13 – 15 This is in accordance to a study conducted by Goossens et al 9 where adolescent aesthetic athletes exhibit more eating pathology as compared to the general population.…”

Unhealthy weight control behaviors among Ethiopian female adolescents

“…Although current evidence suggests that disordered eating occurs in a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and socio‐economic groups (Keel & Klump, ; Miller & Pumariega, ; Nakai, Nin, & Noma, ; Pike & Dunne, ), our study only found a strong association between medium and high socio‐economic status and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Inconsistent findings have also been reported among studies conducted in non‐western countries.…”