Eating disorders more prevalent among low‑income teens, study finds

A new meta‑analysis led by researchers from University College London and Copenhagen University Hospital has found that teenagers from lower‑income households and families with less education are at a heightened risk of developing eating disorders. The findings, published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, synthesize data from 51 separate studies that together examined 26,174 adolescents across Western nations, including North America, Europe and Australia.

The review highlights socioeconomic and educational disparities as significant factors influencing mental health outcomes during adolescence, suggesting that public health strategies should address these underlying inequalities to improve early detection and prevention of eating disorders. By drawing on a broad, cross‑regional dataset, the study underscores the need for targeted interventions that consider family income and education levels as part of comprehensive mental‑health policies.