Eating Disorders in LGBTQIA+
Members of the LGBTQIA+ face a higher risk of developing an eating disorder due to various stressors, such as discrimination from family and peers, internalized homophobia and transphobia, bullying, and challenges related to gender identity. Research suggests that bisexual, gay, and lesbian teenagers as young as 12 years old are more likely to engage in binge eating and purging behaviors than their heterosexual peers. Moreover, disparities in access to healthcare and support services further compound their vulnerability to eating disorders, making treatment efforts more challenging.