The Trevor Project says over half of LGBTQ youth have an eating disorder.
The Trevor Project, the National Eating Disorders Association, and Reasons Eating Disorder Center joined together to conduct a survey.
They asked 1,305 people between the ages of 13 and 24 about the topic of eating disorders and body issues. Each one of the US based respondents also identified as LGBTQ people.
The report found that 54% of respondents said that they were diagnosed with an eating disorder. Compare that to the reported 5% of straight youth and you’ll see that we have a problem here.
Other results were:
- 71% of Trans people who identified as straight were diagnosed with some sort of eating disorder. Also, anorexia was the most common eating disorder within the group.
- 58% of LGBTQ youth who were diagnosed with an eating disorder considered suicide at one point.
- Half of LGBTQ youth who weren’t diagnosed with an eating disorder say that they think they have one anyway.
As you might imagine, both the Trevor Project and the National Eating Disorders Association had some thoughts on these results.
Trevor Project CEO and Executive Director Amit Paley says they were stunned by the numbers.
“We need to do far more to help the alarming number of LGBTQ youth living with eating disorders and struggling with thoughts of suicide,” he added.
Clair Mysko, the CEO of NEDA, also said:
“The results make it clear that troubling numbers of LGBTQ youth are affected by eating disorders and self-harm. Together, we are working to raise awareness and put live-saving resources into the hands of those in need. It’s time to get real about these issues and ensure that everyone has access to the support they deserve.”
