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Gay Men (And Women) Vulnerable to Eating Disorders

Comedian Margaret Cho once joked that when it came to eating disorders, gay men took them far more seriously than women. A population-based study released today by Columbia University reveals the truth behind the (dark) humor. The survey of 516 straight and LGB New Yorkers shows that more than 15 percent of homosexual and bisexual men have experienced bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder or some of the symptoms of these disorders at some point in their lives, compared to just five percent of straight men, ten percent of lesbian and bisexual women and eight percent of straight women.

The study aimed at examining the association between participation in the gay community and eating disorders, noting its "body-centered focus and high expectations about physical appearance." However, researchers found that high rates of participation in and affiliation to the gay community was not related to rates of eating disorders. In fact, men who reported a strong affiliation were actually less likely to report symptoms of eating disorders. Meanwhile, lesbian and bisexual women did not show lower rates of eating disorders compared to straight women, contradicting past research indicating that lesbian and bisexual women may be less vulnerable to body image concerns.

These findings suggest that factors outside of the gay community such as a lack of self-acceptance play a far greater role in susceptibility to eating disorders than standards of physical appearance.

Read more: Gay men at higher risk for eating disorders
ABSTRACT: Eating disorders in diverse lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations