A new paper links eating disorders in adolescent females with lower levels of educational attainment and personal income in early adulthood. They were also less likely to own a home.

Disordered eating behaviors may set some individuals on a different trajectory whereby they do not have the same life chances or opportunities for success in adulthood. The authors speculate that disordered eating behaviors may set some individuals on a different trajectory whereby they do not have the same life chances or opportunities for success in adulthood. It may also be that the psychological issues that manifest in late adolescent eating disorders generally lead to lower incomes. Studies have shown that people with psychological issues are less likely to attain higher social and economic strata, exceptions aside.

Associations between eating disorders and socio-economic status were not seen in males.

“Although the negative physical and mental health consequences of eating disorders have been well documented, much less is known about the adult development of individuals with eating disorders, particularly their social wellbeing,” said Jennifer Tabler, lead author of the International Journal of Eating Disorders study. “This research emerged from a larger research agenda to examine the influence of eating disorders on the transition to adulthood.”

Citation: Jennifer Tabler, Rebecca L. Utz, 'The influence of adolescent eating disorders or disordered eating behaviors on socioeconomic achievement in early adulthood', International Journal of Eating Disorders, DOI: 10.1002/eat.22395