Eating disorders and weight concern among lesbians.

OBJECTIVE

This study estimated rates of bulimia nervosa and binge eating, and assessed risk factors among 203 lesbians.

METHOD: Participants completed questionnaires containing measures addressing lifestyle, self-esteem, body esteem, attitudes about attractiveness, and disordered eating.

RESULTS

The rate of bulimia nervosa among lesbians was similar to that of heterosexual women, but binge eating disorder was more frequent. Eating as negative affect regulation was a more significant predictor of binge eating than body dissatisfaction or dieting. Lesbians were not significantly different from heterosexual women in attitudes concerning weight and appearance, or dieting. Self-esteem was significantly related to body esteem, and actual-ideal weight discrepancy was associated with body dissatisfaction, suggesting that lesbians are not immune from the effects of not meeting societal ideals of thinness. Increased lesbian/gay involvement was associated with lower weight concern.

DISCUSSION: Implications for models of risk for eating disorders, and understanding the experience of lesbians, are discussed.