Abstract
Eating disorders, especially Anorexia Nervosa have long been thought to typically affect young, white European or North American women of high socioeconomic status (Striegel-Moore & Bulik, 2007). However, growing evidence suggests that this may not be the case and that women from ethnic minority groups are equally as likely to present with eating disturbances as white women (Shaw et al 2004). Additionally, recent research suggests a growing prevalence of eating disorders among males (Boodman, 2007; Morgan, 2008). The aim of this literature review is to examine diversity in eating disorders and to uncover possible reasons for under-representation of certain groups of individuals in treatment services. This will include exploring reasons for non-identification of eating disorder pathology in such individuals as well as considering implications this may have for service provision and suggestions for improving services to meet diverse needs of clients.