One of the many things Hispanics and Latinos are known for is food.
How can it not be when we have tamales, elote con crema, tacos, tostones, pernil, empanadas... I can go on forever.
And how about the dessert? We have dulce de leche, tembleque, flan, and tres leches. As I said, I can go on forever.
So a community known and loved for its food surely can be excluded from Eating Disorders, right? At least that's what society thinks, especially a huge part of our healthcare system.
Eating disorders do not discriminate.
Stigmas Within the Community Itself
"Latino communities are experiencing hunger at a much higher rate", says feedingamerica.org. This is because of food insecuity. Food insecruity is "the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life". If Latino communities are undergoing this issue, they are more at risk for eating disorders, especially without education and awareness of them.
Growing up I was never educated about eating disorders in my household. I didn't know a thing about them until I was 18 years old. I am Puerto Rican. In my family, like in many other Hispanic/Latino homes, food is a love language. It was a way to bridge hurt and tighten bonds. This kind of love can be something that can create false expectations and turn ugly. Whether it depends on the comfort in challenging times and binge eating. Or even comparing yourself to another person who looks different from you and shrinking yourself to fit mainstream beauty standards that you were never made to fit.
Lack of Research
Hispanic people prevent from seeking treatment not only because of the stigmas within the community itself but also because of the lack of research done.
Eating disorders are synonymous with young white girls. There is not enough adequate research that shows eating disorders within the Hispanic community.
It's taboo. There's food insecurity, stigma, and a lack of eating disorder education.
Latinas are more likely to have an eating disorder. Afro-Latina is more likely to have an eating disorder.
The data to the left is so saddening. And remember, there are real women and men behind those numbers who struggle every day because of the lack of acknowledgment by a healthcare system that is supposed to take care of them.
Moving Forward
Thankfully, there are more BIPOCs in the healthcare industry and overall well-educated professionals who are aware of these stigmas and changing them around. I am grateful to live in a world where mental illnesses such as eating disorders in the Latino community are being discussed so no more lives are lost and families are saved from what could be a lifetime of hurt.
You don't have to disregard the arepas or beans to be healthy. Healthy eating on social media can seem like "one diet fits all" but remember culture is important in so many aspects even when it comes to food that is the best fit for your life.
If you are struggling and it feels hard, know you are not alone. I pray for all of you who are struggling. Things will get better with help that best fits your needs.
Resources
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger please call a trusted person or medical emergency services.
Tu Vida Importa.
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