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

• Published in: Journal of eating disorders Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 51 - 20
• Main Authors: Parker, Lacie L., Harriger, Jennifer A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central 16.10.2020; BioMed Central Ltd; BMC
• Subjects: Adults; Analysis; Behavior; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Bisexuals; Clinical Psychology; Disordered eating behaviors; Eating disorders; Exercise; Gay; Gays & lesbians; Gender identity; Gender nonconforming; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Homophobia; Lesbian; LGBT; Mental disorders; Mental health care; Minority & ethnic groups; Physical fitness; Population; Psychiatry; Psychology; Psychopathology; Review; Risk factors; Self image; Sexual minority; Sexual orientation; Stigma; Teenagers; Transgender persons; Victimization; Youth; Bisexual; Eating disorders; Disordered eating behaviors; Sexual minority; Transgender; Lesbian; LGBT; Gay
• ISSN: 2050-2974; 2050-2974
• DOI: 10.1186/s40337-020-00327-y

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.