Eating disorders are a significant public health concern that affects individuals across all demographics—they DO NOT discriminate. However, the LGBTQ+ community experiences disproportionately higher rates of these disorders. As a therapist specializing in eating disorders, I hope to shed light on the reasons behind this troubling trend and offer insight into how therapy can help those struggling. If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are grappling with an eating disorder, understanding the unique challenges you face can be the first step toward healing.
The Statistics: A Stark Reality
Studies reveal that the LGBTQ+ community is at a higher risk for eating disorders compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. For instance:
– Gay and Bisexual Men: Up to 42% report struggling with eating disorders, compared to 5-10% of heterosexual men.
– Transgender Individuals: Approximately 15% report experiencing eating disorders, with rates even higher among transgender teens.
– Lesbian and Bisexual Women: Higher rates of binge eating and purging behaviors compared to heterosexual women.
These numbers underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support within the LGBTQ+ community.
Contributing Factors
Social and Cultural Pressures
Body Image Ideals
The LGBTQ+ community often faces specific body image pressures that can contribute to the development of eating disorders. For example:
– Gay Men: There is a significant emphasis on achieving a lean, muscular physique within some segments of the gay male community. This can lead to unhealthy dieting, excessive exercise, and eating disorders.
– Transgender Individuals: Transgender people might use disordered eating as a means to control their body and make it align more closely with their gender identity. For instance, trans men might restrict food intake to achieve a more traditionally masculine physique.
Discrimination and Stigma
Experiencing discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation or gender identity can lead to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and isolation. These emotional states are significant risk factors for developing eating disorders as individuals may turn to food and food-related behaviors as a coping mechanism.
Internalized Homophobia and Transphobia
Internalized negative beliefs about one’s own LGBTQ+ identity can exacerbate body dissatisfaction and even body hate and lead to disordered eating behaviors. The struggle to accept oneself can manifest in harmful ways, such as controlling food intake and body weight. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, these internal conflicts intensify body dissatisfaction and/or body dysmorphia and contribute to the development of disordered eating behaviors as a means of coping.
Striving to meet unrealistic body ideals or using food as a form of self-punishment are common manifestations. Addressing these internalized prejudices in therapy is crucial for healing and fostering a healthier relationship with one’s body and self-identity.
Psychological Factors
Mental Health Issues
LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. These conditions are often intertwined with eating disorders. The stress and emotional pain associated with these mental health challenges can drive individuals towards disordered eating as a form of coping.
Trauma and Abuse
Many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced trauma, including bullying, family rejection, or physical and sexual abuse. Trauma is a well-known risk factor for eating disorders, as it can lead to feelings of powerlessness and a desire to regain control through food and body.
Lack of Support Systems
Eating disorders are known to be disorders of disconnection. Lack of support can cause an eating disorder, and often an eating disorder can lead to even more isolation and disconnection from community and support.
Family and Community Support
The absence of a supportive family or community network can leave LGBTQ+ individuals feeling isolated and unsupported. This lack of support can increase the likelihood of developing eating disorders as individuals struggle to cope with their feelings on their own.
Coming Out Stress
The process of coming out can be incredibly stressful and emotionally taxing. This stress can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders, particularly if the individual faces negative reactions from family or peers.
The higher rates of eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ community is a complex issue influenced by social pressures, psychological factors, and a lack of support systems. As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, affirming care to those affected. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, reaching out for professional help can be a transformative step towards recovery. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact the Catalyst Center by calling (720)675-7123 or submitting an online request at https://catalystcenterllc.com/contact-us/. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
References for the statistics mentioned in the blog:
- Gay and Bisexual Men:
– Feldman, M. B., & Meyer, I. H. (2007). Eating disorders in diverse lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 40(3), 218-226. [DOI:10.1002/eat.20360](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/eat.20360)
- Transgender Individuals:
– Grossman, A. H., D’Augelli, A. R., & Frank, J. A. (2011). Aspects of psychological resilience among transgender youth. Journal of LGBT Youth, 8(2), 103-115. [DOI:10.1080/19361653.2011.541347](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19361653.2011.541347)
– Watson, R. J., Veale, J. F., & Saewyc, E. M. (2017). Disordered eating behaviors among transgender youth: Probability profiles from risk and protective factors. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 50(5), 515-522. [DOI:10.1002/eat.22627](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/eat.22627)
- Lesbian and Bisexual Women:
– Austin, S. B., Ziyadeh, N. J., Corliss, H. L., Rosario, M., Wypij, D., Haines, J., … & Field, A. E. (2009). Sexual orientation disparities in purging and binge eating from early to late adolescence. Journal of Adolescent Health, 45(3), 238-245. [DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.02.001](https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(09)00057-0/fulltext)
Photo Credits
Photo by Nature Uninterrupted Photography on Unsplash
Photo by Sergey Shmidt on Unsplash
About the Author
Allison Kalivas, MA, MFTC
Allison Kalivas, MFTC is an empowering therapist who brings her genuine care and curiosity to each person she works with. Her specialties include EMDR, Eating Disorder Recovery, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Allison’s is not afraid to be in a tough place with you. She knows that coming into therapy can be a vulnerable experience. She will be your co-pilot, sitting with you in your experience and motivating you to focus on your goals.
Interested in Learning More?
If you are interested in connecting with support, our specialized team is here to help. You are not alone. Call 720-675-7123 or contact us below.
