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LGBTQ+ Eating Disorders

More than 28 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Individuals of all ages, race/ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, body shapes, weights, socioeconomic statuses, and levels of physical activity can develop an eating disorder.

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What are eating disorders?

There is a commonly held misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

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Eating disorders in the LGBT community: Coming Out Twice documentary
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What is the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating?
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Eating Disorders In Adolescents: Recognition and Diagnosis

Eating Disorders and Q+ Youth – Increased Risk by Race

LGBTQ+ youth who are Native/Indigenous (12%) or Multiracial (10%) reported the highest rates of being diagnosed with an eating disorder, with an additional third (33%) of both groups suspecting they have an eating disorder.

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Emotional and Behavioral Signs and Symptoms:

  • Preoccupied with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting
  • Refusing to eat certain foods, and often eliminates whole food groups
  • Making excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food
  • Dramatic weight loss’
  • Binge eating, hoarding food
  • Dressing in layers to hide weight loss or stay warm

Suicide Risk

According to research done by The Trevor Project, LGBTQ youth who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder reported nearly four times greater odds of attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who never had, or suspected they had, an eating disorder.

In a crisis?

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Resources

LOCAL RESOURCES

FOOD INSECURITY RESOURCES

LGBTQ+ EATING DISORDER RESOURCES

SUICIDES AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

With suicides and mental health rates skyrocketing among Q+ individuals, we must take these issues seriously.