Association between multiple discrimination experiences and disordered eating behavior among Brazilian university...

Emerging evidence suggests that discrimination may shape eating-related behaviors through psychosocial pathways. This study aimed to analyze the association between multiple forms of discrimination and disordered eating behaviors among undergraduate students in southern Brazil.

This cross-sectional study included 1,502 undergraduate students from a public university in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Eating behaviors were assessed using the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire, generating food approach and food avoidance scores. Perceived discrimination based on weight, race, gender, and sexual orientation was self-reported and operationalized as both individual exposures and 16 intersectional discrimination strata. Associations were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for age.

The highest food approach scores were observed among those reporting discrimination based on weight and sexual orientation (β = 9.1; 95% CI: 5.3, 12.8), weight and gender (β = 9.1; 95% CI: 7.0, 11.2), and weight and race (β = 9.0; 95% CI: 5.5, 12.4). For food avoidance, positive associations emerged for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender (β = 5.2; 95% CI: 3.0, 7.4), while negative associations were found for weight and gender (β = -3.1; 95% CI: -5.0, - 1.2), weight and sexual orientation (β = -3.6; 95% CI: -6.9, - 0.2), and weight alone (β.

These findings demonstrate that perceived discrimination is associated with disordered eating behaviors in distinct and patterned ways, with weight-based discrimination playing a central role. An intersectional approach is essential to capture how multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination intensify vulnerability to disordered eating behaviors.