Many studies have recently determined that LGBTQ+ individuals are at a greater risk for developing an eating disorder than those who are not in the LGBTQ+ community. One study found that transgender college students are over 5 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than other students on campus. There are many reasons as to why this population is more at risk for developing an eating disorder, such as stress, trauma, and anxiety. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder and identifying as LGBTQ+, it’s important to find a supportive and affirming provider. Our Savannah based therapists offer compassionate, LGBTQ+ affirming eating disorder therapy. We support clients of all identities across Savannah and the surrounding Georgia communities, offering both in-person and virtual care tailored to each person. Whether you’re seeking virtual or in-person support, connecting with an eating disorder therapist in Savannah can be a key step toward healing.
What Is an Eating Disorder and How Does It Affect the LGBTQ+ Community?
An eating disorder is a mental health disorder that can have negative effects on a person’s mental and physical health.There are many types of eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.
Many people associate disordered eating with a specific population: young, white, heterosexual, cisgender females. This is inaccurate, as anyone of any age, race, ethnicity, and identification can develop an eating disorder. Because of this negative stigma and the limited research that has been conducted on this topic, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with eating disorders are less likely to be diagnosed and/or treated properly. Therefore, it is important to understand why this community is more susceptible to eating disorders and what can be done to help. This is also why working with an eating disorder therapist in Savannah who understands the intersection of identity and disordered eating can make all the difference.
LGBTQ+ Individuals and Eating Disorders
The Trevor Project is an organization that has conducted extensive research on the LGBTQ+ community to learn how the world can become safer and more inclusive. One study conducted by the Trevor Project in 2021 analyzed younger members of the LGBTQ+ community and their experiences with eating disorders. They found that while cisgender boys and men have the lowest rates of eating disorders, transgender boys and men as well as nonbinary individuals who were assigned female at birth had the highest rates.
Though eating disorders are complex and are caused by many different factors, one of the main factors that the Trevor Project believes is contributing to this problem are the stigmas that individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are facing. When constantly faced with negative stigmas, some individuals might feel the need to hide their identity. The actions of both experiencing stigmas and hiding one’s identity can cause a lot of stress and trauma, which are just a few possible causes of eating disorders.
Furthermore, anxiety about acceptance from their friends and family can also be a factor, as anxiety is another common cause for eating disorders. This can be further exacerbated when LGBTQ+ individuals feel the need to hide their identity from the people they are closest to. Having access to local, LGBTQ+ affirming therapists in Savannah can help reduce this isolation and support recovery.
Transgender Individuals and Eating Disorders
One of the most at-risk populations for an eating disorder in the LGBTQ+ community are transgender individuals.Though there are many reasons why one might develop an eating disorder, some causes can include trauma, bullying, discrimination, and more. Individuals who are transgender are often susceptible to these stressors, as they might experience stress and trauma from discrimination.
Furthermore, eating disorders can be developed due to a sense of a lack of control. When transgender individuals are constantly faced with discriminatory healthcare policies and other practices that only favor a specific population, they are met with a sense of lost control. This might be one of the factors that can lead to an eating disorder.
Additionally, transgender individuals report feeling body dissatisfaction, which can lead to unhealthy behaviors related to food consumption. Many suffer from gender dysphoria and body dysmorphia which can put these individuals at additional risk for developing eating disorders. Though not all transgender individuals choose to change their body, some choose gender affirming treatments and surgeries. However, these can be quite expensive and invasive. Therefore, some may try to start with dieting, which is also something that can lead to eating disorders within this population.
What Can be Done To Support LGBTQ+ Individuals?
In regards to youth in the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with eating disorders, the Trevor Project suggests that change must begin in schools. For example, schools should be enforcing policies to reduce victimization and bullying that these individuals are facing. Additionally, there should be a greater focus on gender-affirming care within schools. This can help to decrease the stress that these individuals are feeling, which can be a great start to reduce the prevalence of eating disorders within this community.
On a broader scale, it is imperative that research regarding disordered eating becomes more inclusive. Much of the research that has been done on disordered eating has only focused on one population. In order to help everyone who is struggling with an eating disorder, it is vital that this research is expanded to include all populations. Different populations might respond to different types of treatments, and conducting this expanded research can help to ensure that everyone gets the help that works best for them.
Locally, this highlights the importance of having accessible, affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals and LGBTQ+ individuals with eating disorders in cities like Savannah. At our therapy practice, we prioritize inclusive, trauma-informed therapy that reflects and respects each client’s identity. Whether you’re a teen navigating peer pressure or an adult exploring gender identity and food-related concerns, our team is here to support you with personalized care that meets you where you are.
Looking For An Eating Disorder Therapist In Savannah?
If you’re looking for an eating disorder therapist in Savannah, Georgia, we’re here to help. We specialize in supporting LGBTQ+ clients struggling with eating disorders. We provide both in-person and virtual therapy options for individuals in Savannah, Buckhead, and across Georgia. Reach out for a complimentary consultation.
Thank you to Dr. Laura Riss, PsyD, Savannah psychologist and Jane Goldsmith, Best Within You Therapy & Wellness intern for this blog post. This blog post was peer reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Leslie, PsyD.
