Equality Diversity and Inclusion

LGBTQ+

Eating disorders can affect everyone in our diverse communities. The stereotype that eating disorders only affect rich young white women is inaccurate. Eating disorders are shown to be more widespread than this and tend to occur more frequently in people from the LGBTQ+ population [1]. 

There are many underlying factors that can drive eating disorders. These factors can be very similar for everyone, however, there are shown to be drivers specific to the LGBTQ+ community. For example, LGBTQ+ individuals may (consciously or unconsciously) use eating disorder behaviours to change their body shape and/or appearance to reflect their gender identity. For example, a transman may restrict his eating to stop periods or reduce the curvy appearance of his body. Similarly, overeating may occur in transwomen in an effort to appear curvier [2]. 

However, we know that all people are individual. Eating disorder behaviours and LGBTQ+ identification may be unrelated, so it is important not to make assumptions. It is important that your individual circumstances are taken into account. In our team, we will treat you as an individual and want you to feel comfortable raising any difficulties you may have with regards to LGBTQ+ identities and your eating disorder whether these are related or not. If you feel we aren’t meeting your needs with regards to your LGBTQ+ identity, please feel free to raise this with us to ensure we can support you better. 

Below are some resources that LGBTQ+ people may find useful and some references if you are interested in learning more on this topic:

Males

The stereotype that eating disorders only affect women is inaccurate. Men get eating disorders too. While reported rates vary somewhat, research studies suggest that approximately 10‐20% of people with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are men and up to 40% of individuals with binge eating disorder are men [1]. 

However, eating disorders in men have been described as “underdiagnosed, undertreated and misunderstood” [2]. We know that men experience stigma around eating disorders and many men go without accessing support or a diagnosis. Therefore, it is likely that these estimated prevalence rates may not reflect the reality today. It is likely that many more men experience eating disorders than the data suggests.

It is important to know that there is support out there if you are a male and think you may have an eating disorder. At the Derbyshire Eating Disorders Service, we treat men with eating disorders, and we will treat you as an individual. We know there can be barriers to treatment, and we have a varied range of treatment options which include practical change focused work. We will discuss treatment options with you and take your views into account.

Below follows some useful resources for men with eating disorders and some references if you are interested in learning more on this topic:

BME populations

Eating disorders do not discriminate and can occur in people of all backgrounds including BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) backgrounds. Unfortunately, research suggests that despite eating disorders occurring in the BME population, people from BME populations feel less confident to seek help for an eating disorder [1] are less likely to be referred to eating disorder services [2] and are more likely to be admitted to hospital compared to white individuals, suggesting that their treatment needs are not always met at an earlier stage to prevent admission [3].

There may be many barriers to BME populations seeking help we cannot ignore such as systemic racism, socioeconomic factors, and language barriers. However, there is a drive to improve understanding of how culture is related to eating disorders and to develop more culturally competent services. There is also evidence that eating disorder treatment can be adapted to suit the needs of BME individuals [4].  We are aware that white privilege exists within healthcare settings, and we are keen to listen, learn and improve. At the Derbyshire Eating Disorders Service, we treat people with eating disorders from all backgrounds, including BME.

Exposure to cultural beliefs can be relevant in eating disorders. For example, Western ideas and beauty norms where slim bodies are idolised are very different to norms in some BME cultures where larger bodies can be seen as a symbol of status and health. Therefore, this may be relevant when understanding the driving forces behind an eating disorder.

Below follows some useful resources for BME populations with eating disorders (including a personal account from a BME person with an eating disorder) and some references if you are interested in learning more on this topic:

Travellers