When Culture and Calories Collide: Eating Disorders in the Hispanic Community
By: Dr. Lisa Palmer, Founder & Clinical Director of Renew Center
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—eating disorders in the Hispanic and Latinx community. Yup, it’s real. And no, it’s not just a “white girl problem,” despite what old-school media might have you believe.
For many of us, food is everything. It’s love, it’s connection, it’s la abuela’s way of saying “I missed you” without having to say the words. But for some, especially those of us raised between two cultures, our relationship with food gets… complicated.
“Eat more, mija!” vs. “You need to stay skinny”
If you grew up in a Hispanic household, you know the drill. If you’re not eating seconds (or thirds), someone’s worried about you. But go out into the world—especially in the U.S.—and the message flips: Eat less. Look smaller. Be thinner. Be perfect.
Trying to balance those messages? Exhausting.
Many young Hispanic people end up stuck between those two worlds. You might be told to love your curves at home, but also feel pressure to shrink yourself to fit mainstream beauty standards. That inner conflict can lead to disordered eating—like skipping meals, bingeing in secret, or obsessing over calories. And it’s not always easy to talk about it, especially when mental health isn’t exactly dinnertime conversation in the family.
The silence is loud
Mental health is still kind of taboo in a lot of Hispanic households. We don’t always have the language—or the space—to talk about things like anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. Instead, we hear:
- “Just pray about it.”
- “You’re not depressed, you’re just tired.”
- “We don’t talk about that here.”
Sound familiar?
That silence can make you feel like you’re the only one struggling. Spoiler: You’re not. Studies have shown that Hispanic teens are actually more likely to experience bulimia than white teens. But very few ever get diagnosed or treated. Why? Because no one expects it. Not doctors. Not schools. Sometimes, not even ourselves.
Assimilation and the pressure to fit in
If you’re first or second-generation, you probably know what it’s like to live between cultures. You’re translating at age 10, helping your parents navigate paperwork, trying to succeed at school, and still show up for family Sunday lunch.
That kind of stress—called acculturation stress—can mess with your mental health in big ways. Some people turn to food for comfort. Others try to control food as a way to cope. Either way, it’s not just about body image. It’s about survival.
Add in racism, colorism, or being treated like you don’t belong, and the emotional toll gets even heavier. Research actually links experiences of discrimination to things like binge eating and body dissatisfaction. So yes, it’s deeper than Instagram trends and diet fads.
How do we start healing?
Okay, here’s the good news: Recovery is possible. But it needs to be done in a way that honors culture—not ignores it.
Here’s what that can look like:
- Culturally sensitive therapy: Therapists who understand Hispanic family dynamics, language, and values can make a huge difference.
- Food as celebration, not shame: Reconnecting with traditional foods in a way that feels joyful and not guilty is healing.
- Family support: Sometimes, bringing in the family (with good boundaries) can help. It’s not just about the individual—it’s about community.
Representation: Seeing diverse bodies, voices, and experiences in media helps us feel seen. Let’s get more Latinas and Latinos sharing real stories—not filtered ones.
Final thoughts
If you’re struggling with food or body image and you come from a Hispanic background, you are not alone. Your feelings are valid. And no, you don’t have to choose between your culture and your healing. You can love your heritage and still unlearn the parts that hurt. You can enjoy tamales and still take care of your mental health. You can ask for help, and still be strong.
We don’t need to shrink to be worthy. We already are.
