Final answer:
White females from Western societies have the highest rates of lifetime and 12-month binge eating. Cultural and genetic factors contribute to these disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the research by Marques et al. (2011), the group with the highest rates of lifetime and 12-month binge eating is White females from Western societies. Studies have shown that females between the ages of 15 and 19 are particularly at risk for eating disorders like binge eating disorder, and there is a cultural influence from messages of a thin ideal portrayed in popular media and the fashion world. Genetic factors may also play a role in predisposing individuals to these disorders.