Most research into eating disorders points to higher levels in LGBT people. LGBT people are often at risk due to depression over sexuality and stresses of acceptance and coming out to others. Body image is a huge issue for lots of people, it's important to look at eating disorders, accept them for what they are and try to overcome them. Ignoring them will not make them go away and could have very serious health issues and even lead to death. MESMAC are not experts so on this page we offer information and links to other organisations that may be able to help. If you need to talk to a worker though we will be happy to talk and help you find the help you need.
CAUSES AND LINKS
The term 'comfort eating' is often used by many people as a joke, some say it when they have put on a little extra weight, the reality is many try and cover up issues like feeling low because of a relationship or hate that they have faced or a variety of other things. Comfort eating is a serious issue, some people eat to try and hide how seriously depressed they are feeling, binge eating can be very damaging and have long lasting health implications just as little or no eating can.
A persons eating habits can feel like the only control they have in their lives, however it's easy for a eating disorder to take control of a persons life and leave the person in a worse condition.
Problems with food and eating can begin when a person uses it as a way of coping, when faced with some form of trauma or life issue. Issues commonly faced by LGB individuals such as low self esteem, coming out, homophobia and abuse can contribute to the onset of damaging eating habits.
Amongst those with eating disorders, many are thought to have little or no sense of self a loss of identity which they may then try to build by being defined by their eating habits. One of the most difficult parts for a person coming to terms with their sexual orientation can be accepting it as part of their identity.
Internalised homophobia, or a hatred of ones own sexuality can cause feelings of repulsion, shame and loss of control.
Amongst the sparse evidence relating sexual orientation to eating disorders is the idea that the trauma and rejection a person experiences because they identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are sometimes dealt with by regaining a sense of control using food and exercise.
This may not necessarily mean undereating though. Some of the evidence which makes links between sexual orientation and eating disorders shows that LGB people may also be more likely to over-eat, binge, purge and exercise excessively compared with their heterosexual peers.
IMPACT/EVIDENCE ON LGB PEOPLE:
- Gay men are at significantly higher risk of developing an eating disorder (Russell & Keel, 2001).
- Gay men have greater body dissatisfaction and higher levels of bulimic and anorexic symptoms, compared with heterosexual men (Russell & Keel, 2001).
- One in five lesbians and bisexual women report having an eating disorder (four times as likely as the general population) (Hunt & Fish, 2008).
- Lesbians are 2.69 times more likely to be overweight and 2.47 times more likely to be obese than heterosexual women (Boehmer et al, 2007).
- Gay men and lesbians tend to report higher levels of psychological distress (King & McKeown, 2003).
REFERRAL/SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS FOR EATING DISORDERS
REGIONAL EATING DISORDER SERVICE
Regional Eating Disorder Service, Richardson Unit, Leazes Wing,
Royal victoria infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP.
Tel: 0191 282 5259.
Opening times: 9am to 5pm and 24 hours for inpatients.
Website: www.ntw.nhs.uk
NIWE
Eating Distress Service.
NIWE Eating Distress ServiceUnit 5/6, 1 Pink Lane,
Newcastle upon Tyne. NE1 5DW
Tel: 0191 221 0233
Email:
Website: www.niwe.org.uk
B-EAT
(National Eating Disorders Charity providing helpline and group support)
Help for Young People
Youthline: 08456 347650
Email:
TXT: 07786 20 18 20
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 4:00pm to 8:30pm and Sat 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Help for Adults
Helpline: 08456 341414
Email:
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 10:30am to 8:30pm and Sat 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Office: 08707 703256
Email: Website: www.b-eat.co.uk/
USEFUL WEBSITES
Website: www.eating-disorders.org.uk
FURTHER INFORMATION
Combating eating disorders needs specialist help, contact one of the organisations listed above and speak to your GP. If you feel you need support in the shape of counselling MESMAC can offer our counselling service, information can be found on this page.
