It has been found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults and adolescents are more likely to suffer from mental illness due to experiencing greater stress, caused by stigma and prejudice. A literature review published in the Journal of Eating Disorders examined past research findings regarding eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender non-conforming adults and adolescents as a whole, as well as each individual group. Overall, it was found lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults and adolescents are more likely to experience eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours. Additionally, unique risk factors were identified for each lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adult and adolescent group.
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).
Objective: This literature review examined the empirical literature regarding the rates and types of, and risk factors for eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours 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 behaviours 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 behaviours. Mixed results were found for lesbian adults and adolescents. Results are discussed within the framework of the MSM.
