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

Department(s)

Social Science

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2020

Keywords

Bisexual, Disordered eating behaviors, Eating disorders, Gay, Lesbian, LGBT, Sexual minority, Transgender

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.

Publication Title

Journal of Eating Disorders

E-ISSN

20502974

Volume

8

Issue

1

DOI

10.1186/s40337-020-00327-y

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