Disordered Eating in the LGBTQ+ Community
While eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors can impact individuals of all identities, studies repeatedly show that those in the LGBTQ+ community experience these struggles at higher rates than the general population. As sexual and gender minorities, this community faces increased levels of external and internal stressors. These external stressors (bullying, discrimination, violence, micro-aggressions, stereotypes, social pressures to conform, etc.) and internal stressors (internalized homophobia or transphobia, concealment of identity(s), fear of rejection, disclosing/coming out, etc.) are challenges that disproportionately impact this community and are more likely to contribute to feelings of body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction is found to be one of the greatest predictors associated with eating disorders and/or disordered eating behaviors.
Particular subgroups within the LGBTQ+ community may be at greater risk for developing these disordered behaviors than others. Along with those mentioned above, transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals face other unique stressors that can lead to even higher body dissatisfaction, with some studies reporting up to 70% of this subgroup reporting experiencing it. Body dissatisfaction can be particularly present for those with gender dysphoria, or extreme distress due to mismatch between their external presentation/sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. Transgender individuals may feel pressures from their social environments to “pass,” or to be correctly perceived as the gender they identify, in order to be affirmed. The pressure to pass, sometimes for safety reasons, burdens this subgroup to cater to unrealistic beauty standards and idealized gender stereotypes, usually including a drive for thinness. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals can be more likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors in an effort to manipulate their body shapes and to suppress characteristics related to their birth sex, especially youth who may want to prevent the progression of puberty and other developmental changes.
Research has shown that gay men also face their own unique stressors that contribute to higher risk for eating disorders or disordered eating behaviors. Among men who have been diagnosed with eating disorders, 42% identify as gay, though gay men only represent 5% of the total male population. This has been attributed to various risk factors and appearance ideals within their community, including experienced pressure to be muscular and thin. In one study, 63% of the gay participants reported basing their self-worth on their weight status.
Researchers have found that more than half of young LGBTQ+ people between the ages of 13 and 24 have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, or suspected that they had one, at some point in their life. The most common disordered eating behavior reported has been skipping meals and eating very little food in general. Specific protective factors for the LGBTQ+ population against these disorders can include increasing social support, being in stable and connected relationships, self-compassion, and making it safer for individuals in this community to openly talk about their experiences.
This community faces higher rates of these disorders and behaviors, while also facing more barriers to accessing and receiving adequate care than the general population. The dangers and risks associated with these disorders call on us all to do more to close the gap in care. Healthcare providers working with LGBTQ+ youth and individuals should routinely assess risk for potential mental health concerns, like eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors, and more. Greater acceptance and attunement to the needs of LGBTQ+ people in families, schools, and communities can work to lower these statistics. Connect with mental health and other healthcare professionals if you or someone you know may be affected by this issue.
Other Resources:
The Trevor Project is an organization committed to finding ways for all LGBTQ youth to feel safe and supported. They have 24/7 crisis services available to connect youth with culturally competent and affirming adults, and their TrevorSpace platform connects youth with supportive peers.
Call 1(866) 488-7386
Text 678-678
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) You can Contact the NEDA Helpline for support, resources, and treatment options for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder.
Online Chat: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am-9:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm ET.
Call (1-800-931-2237): Monday-Thursday 11:00 am-9:00 pm, Friday 11:00 am-5:00 pm ET.
Text (1-800-931-2237): Monday-Thursday 3:00 pm-6:00 pm, Friday 1:00 pm-5:00 pm ET. Standard text messaging rates may apply.
For 24/7 crisis support, text “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line.
References
Jones, B. A., Haycraft, E., Murjan, S., & Arcelus, J. (2016). Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in trans people: A systematic review of the literature. International Review of Psychiatry, 28(1), 81-94.
Parker, L. L., & Harriger, J. A. (2020). Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in the LGBT population: a review of the literature. Journal of Eating Disorders, 8(1), 1-20.
The Trevor Project (2022). Research Brief: Eating Disorders among LGBTQ Youth. Available at: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/eating-disorders-among-lgbtq-youth-feb-2022/.