Eating Disorders in Rural Populations: What Do We Know and What Can We Do?
Eating disorders and disordered eating are severe mental illnesses with high morbidity and mortality; they have the second highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder. Rural populations have higher rates of disordered eating than the general population. There are unique aspects of living in a rural community that impact the likelihood that someone develops disordered eating, and their ability to access treatment. This presentation will cover what is and is not known about eating disorders in rural populations – including research conducted among rural mid-Michigan adolescents and young adults. In particular, the presentation will cover the unique risk factors, protective factors, and treatment barriers in rural populations. The presentation will end with actionable solutions to more effectively prevent and treat eating disorders in rural populations.
