Obesity and Eating Disorder Disparities among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

Obesity and eating disorders (EDs) in youth are prevalent, associated with medical and psychosocial consequences, and may persist into adulthood; therefore identifying subgroups of youth vulnerable to one or both conditions is critical. One group that may be at-risk for obesity and disordered eating is sexual and gender minorities (SGM; those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender or whose sexual orientation or gender identity/expression do not conform to societal conventions). Though SGM identities may begin in childhood and early adolescence, many studies assess older adolescents and adults, and rely upon self-reported weight and eating pathology. Given the adverse sequelae of obesity and EDs, the identification of disparities among SGM youth has implications for clinical practice and public health.