Women, sex, and food: A review of research on eating disorders and sexuality

There has long been a proposed link between sexuality and eating disorders. However, the empirical research on the potential relationship between sexual functioning and disordered eating generally has been unfocused and of relatively poor quality. In the current article I review research on relationships between eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa) and sexual attitudes and experience among women, including the sexual functioning of women who have been treated for an eating disorder. After drawing some limited conclusions from past research, I discuss several potentially important mediating variables that may explain observed relationships between disordered eating and sexuality. These potential mediating variables include certain personality characteristics, negative body image, early familial experiences, and history of sexual trauma. I conclude with criticism of past research and offer suggestions for future investigation.