Eating Disorders in LGBTQ+ Communities: Why Affirming Care Matters

When most people think about eating disorders, the first image that comes to mind often reflects narrow stereotypes. But eating disorders affect people of all genders, sexualities, and body types. Within LGBTQ+ communities, the rates of eating disorders are consistently higher than in the general population - and there are unique reasons why.

What the research tells us

Studies have found that:

• Evidence indicates that LGBTQ+ adults and adolescents have higher rates of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers.

• LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk. In The Trevor Project’s 2021 survey, 9% of LGBTQ youth reported a diagnosed eating disorder, and nearly 1 in 3 suspected they had symptoms but hadn’t received a diagnosis.

• Gender minorities are especially vulnerable. Research shows transgender and non-binary people experience significantly higher rates of disordered eating compared to cisgender peers. Amongst non-binary communities, 7.4% of people will experience a clinical eating disorder in their lifetime

These findings highlight that LGBTQ+ people are not only more likely to struggle with eating disorders, but also more likely to go undiagnosed or untreated.

Why the risk is higher

There are a few key reasons why LGBTQ+ communities face elevated risk:

• Gender dysphoria and body image distress – For some transgender and non-binary people, disordered eating can become a way to try to alter or control body shape.

• Minority stress – Living in a world where discrimination, rejection, or shame is common can take a toll on mental health and fuel harmful coping strategies.

• Pressure to “fit in” – Whether that’s pressure to “pass,” or body ideals within certain subcultures, there can be immense pressure to look a certain way.

• Barriers to care – Many LGBTQ+ people fear stigma or have had negative experiences with health professionals, making them less likely to seek support early.

Why affirming care makes a difference

Eating disorders thrive in silence, shame, and secrecy. For LGBTQ+ clients, affirming care can be life-changing. This means:

• Using correct pronouns and language.

• Exploring body image concerns in the context of gender identity and sexuality.

• Recognising the impact of discrimination and trauma.

• Connecting clients to peer and community support.

As clinicians, families, and communities, our role is to create safe, affirming spaces where people can be seen for who they are, not reduced to stereotypes or overlooked because they don’t “look like” they have an eating disorder.