Homosexuality as a Risk Factor for Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Men

Sexual orientation, body shame, body mass index (BMI), weight discrepancy and age were investigated as risks for eating disorder symptomatology in gay and heterosexual men ( N = 230). Higher body shame (the dominant predictor) was associated with higher eating disorder symptomatology. Body shame appeared to be an expression of muscularity. BMI was the next strongest predictor, with heavier men reporting greater weight discrepancy, and in turn, eating disorder symptomatology. Overall, gay men were at greater risk for eating disorder symptomatology than heterosexual men, and a thin-muscular body ideal applies to younger rather than older gay men. These findings have important implications for intervention, prevention and promotion of men's health.