Sexual orientation as a factor in risk for binge eating and bulimia nervosa: a review

Research on binge eating and bulimia nervosa among lesbians and gay men is reviewed. The thesis that the different value pot on physical appearance in these groups may function as a mediator of risk for eating problems is considered. Studies indicate that gay men focus on their appearance more than heterosexual men and may be at higher risk. Lesbians, who are arguably less invested in societal norms of attractiveness, may be at lower risk than heterosexual women, but the findings are mixed. Implications for conceptual models of risk for bulimia nervosa, and for awareness of lesbian and gay experiences by therapists, are discussed.