How Do Eating Disorders Impact the LGBTQ Community?

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In this article

Eating disorders are complex, potentially deadly illnesses that affect people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. Despite research showing the prevalence of eating disorders across populations1, many people continue to see these conditions as exclusive to young, white, heterosexual, and cisgender females.  

Misconceptions about eating disorders, who they affect, and how the symptoms manifest can lead to dangerous oversights in the diagnosis and treatment of these illnesses among minority and gender-diverse populations.

Eating Disorders Among LGBTQ Individuals

Multiple studies have shown that LGBTQ individuals, particularly teens and young adults, are at greater risk of developing an eating disorder than their cisgender, heterosexual peers3. LGBTQ individuals also face significant barriers in accessing inclusive and gender-affirming care2 when they are diagnosed. 

In 2021, The Trevor Project, (a prominent LGBTQ suicide prevention organization) surveyed nearly 35,000 LGBTQ young people as part of their National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health.

Some of they key findings of the survey include: 

  • 9% of LGBTQ people ages 13-24 said they had been diagnosed with an eating disorder; a further 29% said they haven’t been formally diagnosed with an eating disorder, but suspect they have one
  • Transgender boys and men and nonbinary people assigned female at birth reported the highest rates of eating disorder diagnoses and were more likely to say they suspect they have an eating disorder than other gender identities
  • Among racial and ethnic identities, native/indigenous and multiracial LGBTQ youths reported more eating disorder diagnoses than any other races or ethnicities. 

Eating Disorders and Suicide Risk Among LGBT Youth

The survey from the Trevor Project also revealed a correlation between eating disorders and suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth: 

  • LGBTQ teens and young adults with an eating disorder diagnosis are nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide than peers who have never been diagnosed or suspected they have an eating disorder
  • Transgender and nonbinary teens and young adults reported higher rates of attempted suicide than cisgender LGBQ youths; however, the correlation between eating disorders and suicide attempts was strong for both groups

Eating Disorders Among Transgender People

A large-scale 2015 study of eating disorders among college students revealed that transgender students were more likely than their cisgender gay and heterosexual peers to report disordered eating habits and compensatory behaviors6

In an additional study, transgender people reported greater instances of restrictive dieting, use of diet pills, use of non-prescription steroids, excessive fasting, binge eating, purging, and other disordered eating habits than non-gender-diverse people3. They are also more likely to experience mental health problems like depression and anxiety, which further escalates their risk of disordered eating. 

There are multiple potential risk factors for eating disorders among transgender and gender-diverse people. 

These individuals face a host of chronic stressors that are unique to their gender identities and experiences of the world3:

  • Body image issues and body dissatisfaction, especially before and during puberty
  • Lack of timely treatment for gender dysphoria
  • Gender-based discrimination and harassment
  • Being denied gender-affirming medical care
  • Lack of affirmation of gender identity
  • Gender-based stigma and victimization 

Transgender individuals with eating disorders are more likely to self-harm, experience suicidal ideations, and attempt suicide than both transgender people without eating disorders and cisgender people with eating disorders7.

Eating Disorders Among Gay and Bisexual Men

In a study from 2007, gay and bisexual men were found to have significantly higher rates of eating disorders than heterosexual men; participating in recreational clubs in the gay community was correlated with a higher likelihood of disordered eating5, though current research cannot offer an explanation for this finding. In fact, other studies have found that participation in the gay community may actually lower the risk of eating disorders among gay men by providing a sense of belonging and affirmation. 

The 2007 study was the first to assess DSM diagnostic categories and found that gay and bisexual men were found to have a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of full syndrome bulimia, subclinical bulimia, and any subclinical eating disorder. Rates of binge eating, purging, and laxative abuse were much higher among people who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or mostly heterosexual than people who identified as heterosexual.

One explanation for the increased rates of eating disorders in gay and bisexual men is the sociocultural perspective, which proposes that people’s behaviors are influenced by the norms and values of their social and cultural environments. Gay and bisexual men are influenced by a unique set of beauty standards and physical ideals and may feel pressured to conform to a certain body type. 

Additionally, gay and bisexual men (and all other sexual and gender minority groups) experience unique stressors that increase their risk for physical and mental health disorders. LGBTQ people experience external stressors like discrimination, harassment, social stigma, violence, and victimization as well as internal stressors like shame, guilt, fear, and concealment. They face an increased risk of developing substance abuse issues and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, each of which can contribute to their risk of body image issues and eating disorders. 

Gender-Affirmative Treatment for Eating Disorders at Toledo Center

Toledo Center is a gender-inclusive eating disorder treatment center located in Sylvania, Ohio. We are committed to recognizing, affirming, and honoring the identities and genders of all people in our treatment programs. We offer compassionate treatment and therapy for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and purging disorder, and we proudly serve individuals of every gender identity, sexual orientation, and background.

Contact Toledo Center today at 844-901-0857 to learn how our compassionate staff can help you or your loved one begin the journey toward lasting recovery.

Sources:

  1. Halbeisen, Georg, et al. “A Plea for Diversity in Eating Disorders Research.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 13, 18 Feb. 2022, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.820043.
  2. Ferrucci, Katarina A., et al. “Provider Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Care in Eating Disorder Treatment for Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients: A Qualitative Study.” Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 11, no. 1, 8 Mar. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00760-9.
  3. Parker, Lacie L., and Jennifer A. Harriger. “Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating Behaviors in the LGBT Population: A Review of the Literature.” Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 8, no. 1, 16 Oct. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-020-00327-y.
  4. Riddle, Megan C., and Joshua D. Safer. “Medical Considerations in the Care of Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients with Eating Disorders.” Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 10, no. 1, 21 Nov. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00699-3.
  5. Feldman, Matthew B., and Ilan H. Meyer. “Eating Disorders in Diverse Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations.” International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 40, no. 3, 2007, pp. 218–226, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2080655/, https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20360.
  6. Diemer, Elizabeth W., et al. “Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and Eating-Related Pathology in a National Sample of College Students.” Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 57, no. 2, Aug. 2015, pp. 144–149, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4545276/, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.03.003.
  7. Duffy, Mary E., et al. “Prevalence of Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors in Transgender Individuals with Eating Disorders: A National Study.” Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 64, no. 4, Apr. 2019, pp. 461–466, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.07.016

 

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Executive Director, Ohio

Olivia Dunbar LISW-S

As the Executive Director for Aster Springs Ohio, Olivia is in charge of overseeing the operations of the facility and ensuring quality care for each and every patient who comes through the doors.

Olivia has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Michigan State University. Olivia comes to us with almost 7 years experience in the field and previously worked in addiction treatment and was the regional clinical director over 6 inpatient and outpatient facilities. Olivia’s passion is building and growing programs while ensuring the highest quality of care possible for all clients. When it comes to her work, Olivia is extremely invested and believes that every person should be given the opportunity to heal and grow in an environment that is safe and welcoming. The safety and satisfaction of clients and staff are at the forefront of her leadership style. Olivia is happily married to her husband Tyler and she is a proud dog mom to Dolly. In her free time, Olivia enjoys spending time on the lake with her family, traveling, and reading.

Let’s be honest about denial.

Denial keeps eating disorders alive. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and denial. If you don’t believe you’re sick, why would you seek help? That’s precisely how eating disorders stay in control.

Let’s be honest about denial in parents.

Denial is a natural response — but delaying the proper care can prolong suffering. For many parents, accepting that their child needs eating disorder treatment is an overwhelming and emotional experience. But early, appropriate intervention is key to lasting recovery.

Let’s be honest about isolation.

Eating disorders thrive in isolation, convincing you that you’re better off alone. But the truth is, isolation only makes things worse. It shrinks your world and traps you in a cycle of self-doubt and despair.

Let’s be honest about change.

Change is hard, but so is staying stuck. Living with an eating disorder can feel like the only way to survive. Even when it causes chaos, it becomes familiar — making change feel overwhelming.

Let’s be honest about guilt + shame in parents.

As a parent, it’s heart-wrenching to make the decision to send your child to treatment, especially when that child doesn’t want to go.

Let’s be honest about guilt + shame.

Guilt and shame can trap you in the cycle of an eating disorder, making it challenging to seek the treatment you need.

Let’s be honest about fear in parents.

Deciding to seek treatment for your child is scary — but doing nothing is scarier.

Let’s be honest about fear.

You are stronger than your fears. Treatment is hard, but so is staying stuck in the cycle of an eating disorder. You can do hard things. And on the other side of fear? A life worth living.

Executive Director, Ohio

Olivia Dunbar LISW-S

As the Executive Director for Aster Springs Ohio, Olivia is in charge of overseeing the operations of the facility and ensuring quality care for each and every patient who comes through the doors.

Olivia has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan and received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Michigan State University. Olivia comes to us with almost 7 years experience in the field and previously worked in addiction treatment and was the regional clinical director over 6 inpatient and outpatient facilities. Olivia’s passion is building and growing programs while ensuring the highest quality of care possible for all clients. When it comes to her work, Olivia is extremely invested and believes that every person should be given the opportunity to heal and grow in an environment that is safe and welcoming. The safety and satisfaction of clients and staff are at the forefront of her leadership style. Olivia is happily married to her husband Tyler and she is a proud dog mom to Dolly. In her free time, Olivia enjoys spending time on the lake with her family, traveling, and reading.

Executive Director, Outpatient Cincinnati

Natalie Fausey RD, LD

As the Executive Director of Aster Springs Outpatient Cincinnati, Natalie provides both clinical and operational leadership to the team.

She holds a bachelor’s in human nutrition from The Ohio State University and has been a registered and licensed dietitian since 2018. Previously, Natalie served as the clinical dietitian at Aster Springs for three years. She is passionate about food’s multifaceted role in life, from nourishment and enjoyment to fostering connection, culture, and tradition.

Dedicated to empowering her team, Natalie ensures the highest standards of care for every client. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring new destinations, and discovering unique coffee shops and restaurants.

Executive Director, Aster Springs VA & Outpatient Richmond

Sara Berry LMHC, MBA

Sara joined Aster Springs Outpatient Jeffersonville as Executive Director in August 2023, bringing nearly 20 years of clinical and operational experience. She has worked in community mental health, inpatient and residential psychiatric treatment, and child welfare services.

She earned a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master’s of education in counseling psychology from the University of Louisville, followed by a master’s in healthcare management from the University of Southern Indiana. Since 2005, she has worked in behavioral health across Jeffersonville and surrounding communities.

In leadership since 2009, Sara has held key roles blending clinical and operational expertise. Her clinical interests include eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and family systems. Passionate about helping others reach their full potential, she enjoys reading, family time, and the outdoors.

Executive Director, Aster Springs VA & Outpatient Richmond

Melanie Vann MA, LPC, NCC

Melanie holds a master’s in counseling psychology from Regent University and is a licensed mental health provider in Virginia.

She began her career treating eating disorders and specializes in trauma-based therapy, DBT, and experiential therapies. She became a certified equine-assisted therapist through EAGALA and a certified life coach through AACC to deepen her expertise. Melanie has worked in various mental health settings, including program development, nonprofits, podcasting, consulting, outreach, and education. She has held roles such as primary therapist, program director, clinical director, and executive director.

Melanie’s client-centered, strengths-focused approach reflects her belief that full recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Passionate about fostering hope, she helps individuals live confident, empowered, and authentic lives.

Executive Director, Aster Springs TN & Outpatient Nashville

Amber Lucchino LCSW, LADAC

Amber is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. With 22 years of recovery from an eating disorder, she brings a unique understanding and perspective to her role as a leader at Aster Springs.

Amber earned her bachelor’s in social work from Union University and her master’s from Columbia University in New York City. She has experience in outpatient and residential treatment settings, where she has held positions ranging from direct client care to program management and director roles focusing on staff development and organizational wellness. In addition to eating disorders, she has clinical experience in trauma and co-occurring disorders. She enjoys providing training within the community and has served as an adjunct professor in the department of social work for Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Amber is married and has four children. In her spare time, she can be found at the barn with horses or hiking on nearby trails. She loves cake decorating, spontaneous dance parties, and anything outdoors. Her motto is: “Pay attention to what brings you joy and do more of that.

AVP of Eating Disorder Admissions

Stefan Glamp

Stefan is the National Director of Alum Services for Odyssey Behavioral Health, leading Aster Springs’ efforts to build compassionate, connected alum communities.

With extensive experience in addiction and mental health recovery, he specializes in fostering community partnerships and supporting clients in their unique recovery journeys, believing long-term recovery is achievable.

Stefan’s approach enhances treatment effectiveness by providing structured, ongoing support for all Aster Springs alums.

AVP of Eating Disorder Admissions

Alycia Aldieri LPC

As AVP of Admissions for Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s Eating Disorder Network, Alycia ensures a compassionate, responsive, and seamless admissions experience.

With a background in residential treatment for adults and adolescents with co-occurring disorders, Alycia holds a master’s in clinical psychology from Benedictine University and a bachelor’s in music therapy from East Carolina University. Her approach integrates clinical expertise, spiritual beliefs, and 12-step principles.

Committed to integrity, compassion, and ethics, Alycia believes recovery is possible for anyone willing to pursue it. She finds deep fulfillment in serving others and is dedicated to guiding clients and families with care and support through every step of the admissions journey.

National Director of Nutrition Programming

Tammy Beasley MS, RDN, CEDS-C

Tammy has over 35 years of experience in eating disorder recovery. She was the first dietitian certified as an eating disorder specialist (CEDS) by iaedp in 1993 and played a key role in securing certification approval for dietitians.

Tammy co-authored the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Standards of Practice for eating disorder RDNs and has developed nutrition programs nationwide. She mentors clinicians, serves as a media resource, and runs a private practice supporting clients and organizations.

Passionate about full recovery, Tammy’s guiding principle is “Do no shame.

AVP of Clinical Operations

Kate Fisch LCSW, CEDS

As AVP of Clinical Operations for the Odyssey Behavioral Health Eating Disorder Network, Kate plays a key role in shaping Aster Springs’ exceptional clinical care across all levels.

With nearly two decades of experience in eating disorder treatment, Kate has provided direct client care at every level and is deeply committed to clinical supervision. Her passion lies in supporting and developing fellow treatment providers to enhance the quality of care in the field.

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University and a master’s in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Medical Director

Dr. Tom Scales

Dr. Scales is the network medical director for Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s eating disorder network, including Aster Springs, where he provides psychiatric and medical care to clients.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, attended medical school at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and completed his internal medicine and psychiatry residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. An advocate for eating disorder awareness, Dr. Scales has delivered community presentations, made media appearances, and hosted the web-based radio show Understanding Eating Disorders.

He is a diplomat on the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and addiction medicine through the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Most importantly, he is a husband and proud father of two children. 

Chief Executive Officer

Chrissy Hall LCSW

As Group CEO, Chrissy oversees operations, the executive leadership team, and clinical service delivery at Aster Springs.

With over 25 years in behavioral healthcare, she began as a direct care staff member and has since held executive roles in clinical and business development. Her experience spans residential treatment centers, acute care hospitals, outpatient centers, and military treatment programs. Chrissy specializes in clinical best practices, program development, staff education, and quality and compliance for startups.

Passionate about leading teams to provide exceptional care in safe, therapeutic environments, Chrissy holds a master’s in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a licensed clinical social worker.

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Aster Springs Richmond

Located in the heart of Richmond’s West End in Glen Allen, VA, Aster Springs Outpatient specializes in treating adults of all genders, ages 18 and older, who struggle with eating disorders.

Location

3957 Westerre Pkwy., Ste. 208, Richmond, VA 23233

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) of all genders

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP)

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Outpatient Nashville

Located near the heart of downtown Nashville, Aster Springs Outpatient specializes in treating adults of all genders who are struggling with eating disorders. Our programs are LGBTQIA+-affirming and inclusive of all religious preferences.

Location

2900 Vanderbilt Pl., Ste. 200B, Nashville, TN 37212

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP)

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) of all genders

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Outpatient Columbus

Located in the heart of Dublin, Aster Springs Outpatient Columbus offers a warm, sunlit environment that feels like home. We specialize in treating adolescents and adults of all genders — ages 12 and older — who struggle with eating disorders and co-occurring conditions.

Location

3530 Irwin Simpson Rd., Ste. B, Mason, OH 45040

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), evening virtual IOP

Who We Treat

Adults + adolescents (ages 16 & older) of all genders

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Outpatient Cincinnati

Located just northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, Aster Springs Outpatient in Cincinnati specializes in treating adolescents and adults of all genders, ages 16 and older, struggling with eating disorders.

Location

3530 Irwin Simpson Rd., Ste. B, Mason, OH 45040

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), evening virtual IOP

Who We Treat

Adults + adolescents (ages 16 & older) of all genders

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Outpatient Jeffersonville

Minutes away from the heart of the Ohio River Valley, Aster Springs Outpatient in Jeffersonville provides compassionate, innovative eating disorder treatment that is inclusive of diverse populations and cultures.

Location

4500 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 103, Jeffersonville, IN 47130

Levels of Care

Partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), evening virtual IOP

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) | Adolescents (ages 13-17)

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder, OSFED

Aster Springs Virginia

Aster Springs Virginia is composed of two locations in Richmond, each offering exceptional, compassionate eating disorder treatment within peaceful, comforting environments.

Locations

Manakin-Sabot & Glen Allen

Levels of Care

Residential treatment, partial hospitalization program (PHP) with housing, intensive outpatient program (IOP)

Who We Treat

Adult women (Residential) | Adults of all genders (PHP + IOP)

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, OSFED

Aster Springs Tennessee

Located just minutes away from downtown Music City, our multidisciplinary treatment team provides tailored treatment plans designed to meet the unique needs of each client. 

Location

7544 Old Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37221

Levels of Care

Residential treatment, partial hospitalization program (PHP) with housing

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) | All genders

What We Treat

Anorexia, ARFID, binge eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, bulimia, OSFED

Aster Springs Ohio

Located near a winding creek on a peaceful, private stretch of land in Toledo, Aster Springs Ohio combines evidence-based, whole-person eating disorder treatment with a tranquil, home-like setting. 

Location

5465 Main St, Sylvania, OH 43560

Levels of Care

Residential treatment, partial hospitalization program (PHP) with housing

Who We Treat

Adults (ages 18+) | Adolescents (ages 10-17)

What We Treat

Anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, purging disorder, ARFID, co-occurring mental health conditions