Examining Prevalence and Presentations of Eating Disorders Across Racial/Ethnic Groups in a National, Population‐Based Sample of College Students

ABSTRACT Objective Eating disorders (EDs) are prevalent in college students, yet limited research on EDs across racial/ethnic groups in population‐based samples exists. This study aimed to examine differences in prevalence and presentations of EDs by race/ethnicity in a national college sample. Method Students at 26 US colleges/universities ( N = 29,951) completed a population‐based mental health screen. Prevalence of probable anorexia nervosa (AN), clinical/subclinical bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge‐eating disorder (BED) and ED risk were examined across racial/ethnic groups by gender using chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. Among those with probable EDs, ED behavior frequency, weight/shape concerns, probable psychiatric comorbidities, and psychotherapy utilization were compared across groups using chi‐square, Fisher's exact tests, and one‐way analyses of variance. Results Asian women had higher AN prevalence than Black, Hispanic, and White women; AN prevalence in Black women was lower than Asian, Hispanic, Multiracial, and White women ( p < 0.05). Hispanic women had higher BN/BED prevalence than Asian, Black, and White women, and higher ED risk prevalence than Asian, Multiracial, and White women ( p < 0.05). Among those with EDs ( N = 3929), there were no significant differences in ED behavior frequencies between any groups. White women had higher comorbid probable alcohol use disorder prevalence than Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Multiracial women ( p < 0.05). Asian men had lower psychotherapy utilization than Black, Hispanic, Multiracial, and White men ( p < 0.05). Discussion Prevalence of EDs was similar across racial/ethnic groups; where differences emerged, minoritized students often had a higher prevalence. Results highlight the need for routine ED screening for all college students.