Women living in third world countries appear much more content, comfortable and accepted with fuller body shapes. In fact the cultural stereotype of attractiveness within these societies includes a fuller figure. Studies have been done observing women from these societies acculturating into areas in which there is a greater preoccupation on thinness and the results appear disheartening. These women began adopting the British viewpoint desiring a smaller physique unlike their African peers. These studies suggest that to fit the given cultural stereotype of attractiveness, women may try to overcome their natural tendency toward a fuller figure.
Clinicians sometimes fail to diagnose women of color appropriately.
This may be due to the fact that eating disorders have been reported much less among African Americans, Asian Americans and American Indians. Incorrect diagnosis' may also come from the widely accepted false belief that eating disorders only affect middle to upper-middle class white adolescent women. This oversight reflects a cultural bias and unintended yet prevalent bigotry. Individuals from other cultures should also not be excluded from the possibility of an eating disorder diagnosis. Westernization has affected Japan.