Research indicates that African American women have a lower prevalence of anorexia nervosa compared to white women, partly due to cultural norms that value fuller body types. Studies suggest that within many Black communities, a curvier physique is often associated with health, attractiveness, and social status, which contrasts with the thin ideal prevalent in mainstream Western culture. This cultural appreciation for larger body sizes may serve as a protective factor against the development of anorexia nervosa, which is characterized by extreme thinness and a fear of gaining weight. However, it's important to note that African American women are not immune to eating disorders; in fact, they may be more susceptible to binge eating disorder, and their symptoms are often underdiagnosed due to cultural biases and a lack of culturally competent healthcare resources.
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