The impact of sexual orientation on how men experience disordered eating and drive for muscularity

Ruth Knight, Mark Carey, Paul Jenkinson, Catherine Elizabeth Jane Preston

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction
Research into disordered eating in men paints a mixed picture regarding the relationship to sexual orientation and muscularity.
Method
Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 6.0 and Drive for Muscularity scale via Qualtrics.
Results
Gay men experience more symptoms related to body attitudes and shape and weight concerns. Heterosexual men experience more muscularity and restricting related symptoms. Bisexual men generally score lower than the other groups, so should be considered independently.
Conclusion
Sexual orientation relates to both rates of eating disorders in men and also the kind of symptoms they experience. This should be taken into account in treatment and diagnostic approaches.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health
Early online date21 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 21 Sept 2022

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