Correlates of binge eating in hispanic, black, and white women

Marian L. Fitzgibbon*, Bonnie Spring, Mary E. Avellone, Lisa R. Blackman, Regina Pingitore, Melinda R. Stolley

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

132 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)43-52
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

Keywords

  • Binge eating
  • Ethnic groups
  • Weight and depression

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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