Introduction

Despite misconceptions that Black women are protected from disordered eating, research suggests that they suffer from eating disorders at rates equal to or perhaps even higher than those of White women. Yet many health care providers fail to recognize these disturbances in Black women. One of the most important reasons for this failure is that many practitioners fear asking questions that could be instrumental in helping them to recognize potentially mediating factors in development of EDs—questions that often concern racial differences and identity issues. This book presents many of the unique challenges and needs of Black women that make them vulnerable to developing EDs, including acculturative stress and higher rates of trauma.