Eating Disorders in the LGBTQ+ Community
Eating disorders affect people regardless of size, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or race. According to an article found in the Journal of Eating Disorders, “LGBTQ+ adults and adolescents experience greater incidence and risk of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts
Why Are Eating Disorders Common in the LGBTQ+ ?
While many people experience some level of stress, members of the LGBTQ+ community often experience high levels of social stress and fear on a regular basis. Stress and fear centered around body image and identity can quickly lead to the development or worsening of an eating disorder. Contributing factors may
- Anxiety related to coming out or keeping it secret
- Discrimination or exclusion
- Bullying, violence, or harassment
- Lack of support or acceptance from family or friends
- Rejection from family, friends, coworkers, or businesses
- Continued levels of stress daily
- Living in unstable situations, as a runaway, or even homeless
- Internalizing negative messages
- Inability to meet body image ideals based on gender identity or sexual orientation
Those who experience gender dysphoria are at greater risk of eating disorders. Gender dysphoria is the feeling that gender identity does not align with the body. In other words, these individuals have a disconnect between body, gender identity, and sexual orientation. As a result, individuals are likely to alter their physical appearance with excessive exercise, unhealthy eating habits, diets, and supplements in order to have their body resemble the shape or expectation of the gender they identify with.
What Difficulties Do LGBTQ+ Members Face When It Comes to Eating Disorder Treatment?
Eating disorders can be very isolating mental illnesses for any individual. But when individuals, like many in the LGBTQ+ community, already lack a social support system, it can be difficult to recognize the need for treatment as well as actually seeking and following through with treatment.
In addition, insurance coverage can be difficult to prove “medical necessity” for eating disorder treatment. LGBTQ+ members, especially those identifying as trans, may face difficulties receiving basic health care, let alone have providers who can properly detect warning signs due to lack of education about the complexity of sexuality and gender identity. Individuals may also face discrimination at treatment centers that lack inclusivity, which makes seeking and receiving treatment even more difficult and may lead to relapse or worsening symptoms.
How Can We Help Support Those with Eating Disorders in the LGBTQ+ Community?
By continuing to talk about the lack of proper health care for those in the LGBTQ+ community, we can raise awareness and educate others on where change needs to be made. “The emergence of LGBTQ+ youth drop-in centers, gay-straight alliances, LGBTQ+ community centers, and LGBTQ+ healthcare resources have created more safe spaces to access support and mental health care.”
According to NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association, research has shown that, “a sense of connectedness to the gay community has related to fewer current eating disorders, which suggests that feeling connected to the gay community may have a protective effect against eating disorders.” Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, or an ally, showing your support can make a huge difference in someone’s life. As always, remember that I love you and you should love you too!
If you or someone you know is struggling, head to the Resources page for help or further education.
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