Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents are more than twice as likely to report binge eating than their heterosexual peers.
This is according to a study – “The social epidemiology of binge-eating disorder and behaviors in early adolescents” by Jason M. Nagata, Zacariah Smith-Russack, Angel Paul, et al – that appeared in the Journal of Eating Disorders.
“Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual may face discrimination, bullying, and stigma because of their sexual orientation. These stressors can lead to poor self-esteem and disordered eating,” said Nagata, the lead author. “Binge eating can result in psychological effects like depression and anxiety and long-term physical health problems including diabetes and heart disease.”
For this study, the researchers analyzed data from 10,197 adolescents ages 10-14 years old who are part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the US. Data were collected from 2018-2020. Parents answered questions about their children’s eating behaviors and adolescents were asked about their sexual orientation.
Binge-eating disorder is characterized by frequently consuming unusually large amounts of food and feeling unable to stop eating. Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the US although it is understudied and often misunderstood. The study also found that adolescent boys had 28% higher odds of binge eating than girls.
“Adolescent boys may have a drive for muscularity and larger size which can lead to consumption of larger volumes of food,” said co-author Kyle T. Ganson. “In the context of muscularity-oriented goals, boys are more likely than girls to engage in “cheat meals” which have been linked with binge eating episodes.”
For the researchers, adolescents with eating disorders should seek professional help. Eating disorders are best supported by an interdisciplinary team including a mental health, medical, and nutrition provider.
“Given the higher risk of eating disorders in LGBTQ+ youth, it is important that health care providers foster a welcoming environment to youth of all sexual orientations and genders,” Nagata ended.
