Sexual orientation, eating disorder classification, and men’s psychosocial well-being.

Abstract

In a sample of 676 men, we examined (a) the relationship between men's eating disorder (ED) classification (asymptomatic vs. symptomatic/clinical) to theoretically and empirically identified psychosocial correlates (i.e., body image concerns, sociocultural pressures, internalization processes, and depressive symptomatology) and (b) determined the extent to which sexual orientation moderated those relationships. To test our hypotheses, we used the PROCESS v2.16 macro. Consistent with the tenets of objectification theory as well as past research, the men, regardless of sexual orientation, who were classified as symptomatic/clinical reported more sociocultural pressures, greater internalization and appearance comparisons, stronger investment in their appearance, greater body dissatisfaction and shame, and more depressive symptomatology than did those who were asymptomatic. Further, independent of ED classification, the gay men in our sample reported higher levels of distress across all the outcomes than those who were heterosexual. Sexual orientation moderated the ED relationships with pressures to be lean, appearance orientation, and body shame such that the relationships were stronger for gay men who were symptomatic/clinical than the other groups (e.g., asymptomatic gay men, symptomatic/clinical heterosexual men). The current study supports existing literature that indicates a relationship between level of ED classification and various psychosocial outcomes in men, particularly for those who identify as gay. Public Significance StatementGay men who were classified with an eating disorder, compared with gay men without an eating disorder and heterosexual men with or without an eating disorder, reported experiencing the highest levels of body shame and the most pressure to have a lean body. These same gay men also reported spending the most time and energy on improving their physical appearance. Although eating disorders have long been viewed as a feminine affliction, many boys and men currently are subjected to a range of societal messages about how they should look (i.e., lean and muscular), eat, and behave that can increase their risk of developing unhealthy relationships with food and eating. Such risks may be exacerbated by sexual orientation due to the increased importance of, and focus on, physical attractiveness and bodily appearance that exist within the gay community.

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors in the LGBT population: a review of the literature

“…Early research findings suggest that gay adults reported more frequent dieting and greater dietary restraint, more binge eating, less control over their eating behaviors, more purging, and more exercise than heterosexual men [ 56 , 99 , 139 ] and these findings are supported by more contemporary research. Compared to heterosexual men, gay adults reported increased rates of binge eating, disordered eating behaviors, unhealthy weight control behaviors, food addiction, and diagnosed clinical eating disorders, in addition to poorer physical activity ([ 10 , 20 , 27 , 54 , 58 , 67 , 113 , 127 , 137 , 141 , 145 , 146 , 149 , 152 , 159 , 161 , 172 , 173 ]).…”

Exploring Bias(es) of Large Language Models in the Field of Mental Health – A Comparative Study Investigating the Effect of Gender and Sexual Orientation in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Case Vignettes (Preprint)

“…In men, sexual orientation might increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, with more men with an ED or ED-related behavior identifying as homosexual compared to the general population [42,43]. Further, independent of being diagnosed with an ED, homosexual men report more psychological distress than heterosexual men and in men with an ED, being homosexual was related to higher ED symptomatology [44]. In women, a review found no significant difference in overall disordered eating due to sexual orientation, but distinct patterns, with homosexual women reporting less restrictive eating behavior and more binge eating [45].…”