Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in the LGBT population: a review of the literature

Abstract

Background According to past research, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals experience a higher prevalence of psychopathology, which is attributable to the increased stress (i.e., stigma and prejudice) that they experience, as detailed by the minority stress model (MSM). Main This current literature review examined the empirical literature regarding the rates and types of, and risk factors for eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in LGBT adults and adolescents, in addition to each individual subgroup (i.e., lesbians, gay males, bisexuals, transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals). Conclusion LGBT adults and adolescents experience greater incidence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Additionally, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults and adolescents were all at increased risk for eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors. Mixed results were found for lesbian adults and adolescents. Results are discussed within the framework of the MSM.

Diet, Food Insecurity, and CVD Risk in Sexual and Gender Minority Adults

“…Similarly, for food insecurity, we included studies that measured food insecurity or food insufficiency. We did not include studies that reported on disordered eating or body image concerns in SGM adults as these topics have been comprehensively reviewed in prior reviews [ 52 – 54 ].…”

Health inequalities among LGBTQ+ communities

“…A recent review of eating disorders and disordered eating amongst LGBT adults and adolescents found these groups were at greater risk than the general population, identifying a heightened risk among gay men, bisexuals and trans people, with mixed results for lesbian adults and adolescents. (7) Although a previous study comparing lesbian adolescents to their heterosexual peers identified a greater prevalence of purging behaviours and focus on reducing weight among the lesbian cohort (8). Eating disorders and disordered eating can be prominent among gay males due to the cultural pressures within the community to fit certain body type categories.…”

“…Eating disorders and disordered eating can be prominent among gay males due to the cultural pressures within the community to fit certain body type categories. (7) Gay men are predicted to represent 5% of the male population but the National Eating Disorders Association report gay men account for 42% of males who have eating disorders. (9) Although underrepresented in research, growing evidence shows trans and non-binary individuals experience a combination of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, with the latter often in response to the former.…”

“…(8) Factors suggested to contribute to the development of eating disorders for LGBT people include increased stress through experiences of stigma and violence but also cultural ideals within the LGBTQ+ community, such as the need to be 'thin' and 'fit' to be viewed as attractive. (7,8) For substance use disorders, evidence is limited. While many studies have identified heightened levels of substance use/abuse among LGBT groups along with high risk factors for developing a disorder, very few have examined substance disorders specifically.…”

“…Particular communities are reported to be at heightened risk -specifically, Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT people, disabled LGBT people, and those from lower income households. (3,7) Trans and non-binary groups experience higher rates of multiple mental health disorders (3,8,10) and within LGB, bisexuals tend to report higher levels of anxiety, depression and suicidality. (2,3,10) It is vital to understand that the difficulties an individual experiences being LGBTQ+ are in addition to everyday stresses such as finances, employment, and relationships.…”