Think eating disorders are a rich kid’s problem? Think again

Lower income children are the least likely to have access to eating disorder treatment. Catherine McQueen/Moment RF/Getty Images

A common misconception about eating disorders is that they afflict only the wealthy. But this stereotype is contradicted by the research, which shows that coming from a low-income family actually increases the risk of developing these illnesses.

Eating disorder symptoms are more common among young people who grow up with fewer economic resources, according to a new UK study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. This latest research adds to the existing body of evidence linking food insecurity to a higher vulnerability to eating disorders. Eating disorders are serious and potentially life-threatening mental illnesses that currently affect nearly 10