Research Reveals Double the Number of Binge Eating Disorder Among LGBTQ+ Teens

A recent study has uncovered alarming statistics indicating that queer teenagers are twice as likely to suffer from binge eating disorders compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The research highlights binge eating disorder (BED) as the most prevalent form of eating disorder in the United States, impacting approximately 16.6 million Americans.

If left untreated, BED can lead to severe physical and mental health complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.

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The study drew data from the extensive Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study conducted in 2020, which involved 10,000 adolescents aged between 10-14 years. Researchers identified that teenagers from low-income households, Native American descent, and those identifying as queer were most susceptible to BED.

The University of California at San Francisco study attributes heightened instances of disordered eating and diminished self-esteem among gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens to stressors such as bullying, discrimination, and internalized homophobia.

Although binge eating disorders often affect women and girls, the data revealed that male adolescents display a higher tendency toward engaging in binge eating behaviors compared to their female counterparts.

Moreover, the study sheds light on the prevalence of "cheat meals" amongst men, where they briefly indulge in prohibited foods before returning to strict diets. These cheat meals are linked to overeating, loss of control during eating, and binge-eating behaviors.

The research calls for more extensive studies on eating disorders in the male adolescent population, particularly exploring the relationship between muscularity-oriented eating goals and binge eating behaviors.

Dr. Nagata, one of the lead researchers, emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help for teenagers experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder. They highlight that an interdisciplinary team comprising mental health, medical, and nutrition professionals is crucial in providing optimal support for individuals with eating disorders.

“Adolescents who identify as gay and bisexual face external and internal stressors, such as stigma, bullying, discrimination, and internalized homophobia, which all compound to an increased risk for disordered eating,” Nagata reported.

“This study found that adolescent males who identified as gay or bisexual had 12.5 times the odds of binge eating compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Similarly, adolescent girls who identified as lesbian or bisexual had twice the odds of binge eating and purging compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Given the emerging research that supports this association, future studies should explore the prevention, early identification, and management strategies of binge-eating behaviors for gay or bisexual adolescents.”

Earlier this year it was also reported that many trans non-binary patients with eating disorders struggle to be seen by healthcare professionals and end up going untreated as a result. Many programs are designed for women and trans and non-binary people report feeling as though they cannot be authentic or share their gender identity journey in these spaces.

If you need support with an eating disorder contact Beat on their website or on their helpline 0808 801 08677.