Eating disorders don’t discriminate. We need to recognise the diversity within the demographic of people who struggle with an eating disorder so we can provide effective, safe and meaningful care.
When we’re talking about eating disorders, we have to highlight that there’s no “one way” to have a problem. What’s more, each person’s story and experience of their difficulty would be unique to them.
Stigma around mental health, stereotypes of eating disorders, and gender biases keep eating disorders in men from being taken seriously or even diagnosed in the first place.
We need to recognise the diversity of the demographic of people living with eating disorders.
Did you know in the transgender community:
- 10.5% of transgender men and 8.1% of transgender women will self-report having experienced disordered eating in their lifetime (source)
- 90% of non-binary and transgender youth express being dissatisfied with their bodies (source)
LGBTQ and minority ethnic adults and adolescents experience a higher incidence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours compared to their straight and cisgender peers.
This is because these communities often experience greater levels of stress, discrimination, violence, bullying, social pressure to conform and higher levels of isolation.
These challenges make LGBTQ+ individuals more likely to experience mental health struggles, especially if their identity isn’t affirmed by their loved ones or if they have experienced trauma.
Similarly, each community may have additional pressures to conform to certain body standards or ideals, which can contribute to a heightened awareness of body image.
At Orri
We treat the people, not just the eating disorder. This means that we want to understand the unique lived experience of each client and what may have contributed, caused or reinforced an eating disorder in their life.
We know there’s no ‘one way’ to have a problem, nor ‘one way’ to get better from one. This is why we work collaboratively, welcoming all who come through our door with compassion, kindness and expert care.
Find out more about Orri’s campaign for Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2023, here: https://www.orri-uk.com/eating-disorders-awareness-week/
This week, and all weeks to come, #RememberYourBROS.
