Eating Disorders in the LGBTQ+ Community
Members of the LGBTQ+ community experience unique challenges and risk factors that put them at a disproportionate risk for developing an eating disorder. While further research is needed to study the correlation between gender identity, sexuality, gender dysmorphia, and eating disorders, what is known is that the prevalence of eating disorders is much higher in the LGBTQ+ community.
By: Anna Capetola
The rate of eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ community is on the rise, and it is time to talk about it. As many people know, there is not one specific way to define or describe what an eating disorder looks like. It differs for each individual person, and the following information provides a brief and general synopsis of eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ according to current research. It is important to note that more research is desperately needed in order to prevent and properly treat eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ community.
Research
A study conducted by Thornton revealed that transgender individuals experienced the highest rates of diet pill and laxative use, as well as purging behaviors, compared to other sexual or gender identities. This includes heterosexual females, which historically have been ranked as the highest-risk population for disordered eating behaviors (Thornton, 2018). According to Watson, Grotewiel, Farrell, Marshik, & Schneider (2015), the prevalence of eating disorders among women who identify as bisexual or lesbian and consider themselves feminine is about the same as women who identify as heterosexual. This is not necessarily the case for women who identify as lesbian or bisexual and considered themselves masculine or androgynous, the rate is said to be much lower (Watson et al., 2015).
Additionally, Thornton highlights the gender dysphoria that is often present among transgender individuals. Gender dysphoria is the conflict between one’s physical body and the gender one relates to on an emotional and mental level. Connections were drawn from gender dysphoria to body dysmorphia, which is the act of dwelling on real or perceived flaws with one’s appearance. This dwelling could spark efforts to change weight, shape, or size (Thornton, 2018). Another study by Avila, Golden, & Aye (2019) stated that some disordered eating patterns are connected to the desire to suppress menstruation and secondary female characteristics among transgender men.
Continuing on, according to Thornton, men who identify as gay or bisexual have reported feeling an intense pressure to conform to social norms and develop lean or muscular bodies. This pressure has been linked to an increase in dieting, binge eating, and in some cases, steroid use (Thornton, 2018). Additionally, the rate of eating disorders among men who identify as bisexual or gay is higher compared to men who identify as heterosexual (Thornton, 2018).
Risk Factors
Members of the LGBTQ+ community unfortunately face a tremendous amount of stress from discrimination, violence, and bullying. The bullying may include matters related to sexual orientation, gender identity, body image, and more. The stress that an individual internalizes has the potential to negatively impact one’s mental health. For instance, it can serve to diminish levels of self-esteem and increase disordered thoughts and actions, which can lead to an increased risk for the development of an eating disorder (Thornton, 2018).
Some other risk factors to consider for the LGBTQ+ community include fear of rejection, lack of support, isolation, internalized negative beliefs about oneself due to sexual orientation or gender identity, past trauma, and more (Canady, 2019).
Recommendations for Support and Treatment
A study by Canady (2019) has shown that feeling connected to the LGBTQ+ community forms as a protective factor against eating disorders. When seeking support, it is important to find a treatment center that is culturally-competent, sensitive when addressing needs, utilizes appropriate language, and respects all individuals.
At BALANCE we believe in treating the whole person. Through our array of services, we offer treatment for women, men, LGBTQ+, and adolescents and provide all levels of outpatient care. We serve clients with a variety of treatment needs: those who require intensive day treatment as a natural step-down following a course of residential care, and those who may benefit from augmenting their existing individual treatment plan with complementary programs and services. We offer a comprehensive continuum of care to any individual seeking outpatient treatment for an eating disorder.
We are here to help you! Our team would be happy to answer questions that you may have about our programs & services. Schedule a free consultation call with our admissions team below!
This post was written by BALANCE Social Work Intern, Anna Capetola.
Anna is a second-year graduate student at New York University pursuing her Master’s in Social Work. She completed her undergraduate education at Quinnipiac University, majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology. She previously worked for Vibrant Emotional Health, formerly known as The Mental Health Association of NYC, where she conducted assessments, provided short-term counseling, and offered crisis intervention services to individuals who were struggling with an array of mental health and substance use concerns. Anna also has experience working with the Traumatic Brain Injury population, as well as individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is devoted to learning about the mind-body connection, health, and overall wellness. She is deeply passionate about eating disorder awareness and recovery. Anna believes everyone has the right to feel supported, accepted, understood, valued, and cared for.
Resources
Avila, J. T., Golden, N. H., & Aye, T. (2019). Eating Disorder Screening in Transgender Youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(6), 815-817. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.06.011
Canady, V. A. (2019). Nontraditional populations impacted by eating disorders. Mental Health Weekly, 29(4), 3-4. doi:10.1002/mhw.31751
Thornton, V. (2018). Eating Disorders in the Lgbtq Population. Today’s Dietitian, 20(9), 46.
Watson, L. B., Grotewiel, M., Farrell, M., Marshik, J., & Schneider, M. (2015). Experiences of Sexual Objectification, Minority Stress, and Disordered Eating Among Sexual Minority Women. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 39(4), 458-470. doi:10.1177/0361684315575024