Mirror, Mirror: Exploring the Reflections of Gender Identity on Eating Disorders

By Janhavi Vishnu

Illustration by Kainaaz Chothia

In our ever-evolving society, we are just beginning to understand the impact of gender identity on various aspects of our lives. One area where this effect is particularly sensitive is eating disorders. While the conventional understanding of these disorders is limited solely to body image and societal pressure, it is very important to explore the complex interrelationship between gender identity and expression and visibility in terms of eating disorders. There is clear evidence that gender identity plays a significant role in the development and presentation of eating disorders. In a 2018 study about the impact of gender identity on the diagnosis of eating disorders, the following statistic was found: “The results of this analysis suggest that differences in the prevalence of eating disorders in this sample may be driven primarily by differences between individuals with binary versus nonbinary identities, rather than between transmasculine and transfeminine participants.”

While traditional research has focused primarily on cisgender women, recent research, such as the aforementioned paper, has begun to shed light on the experiences of transgender and non- binary people with eating disorders as well. An important aspect to consider is the concept of "gender envy". Gender envy, as defined by LGBTQnation, refers to “having envy for an individual's expression of gender (for example, wanting the physical features, voice, mannerisms, style, etc., of a specific gender).”2 A non-binary interviewee told us that “It (gender envy) feels like wanting to have something, like some bodily features or how

someone looks or sounds in general. Essentially wanting to fulfill a specific element that would make me feel more... correct or right in my body and mind.”

In the context of eating disorders, gender envy can act as a driving force that prompts people

to engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or other harmful behaviors to rigidly conform to certain gender norms. Many trans and non-binary people strive to appear more masculine, feminine, or androgynous, and unfortunately, in trying to fulfill this need or want, they become more prone to developing eating disorders.

At the heart of many eating disorders is body dysmorphia - a relentless preoccupation with the perceived flaws or imperfections in one’s overall appearance. Looking at gender identity, those who identify as non-binary or transgender may experience increased body dysmorphia due to the discrepancy between their internalized gender identity and their perceived physical characteristics. For transgender people, body dysmorphia can be caused by a difference between the gender they were assigned at birth and their actual gender identity. They may feel trapped in bodies that do not match their authentic selves, which in turn would increase their susceptibility to developing eating disorders as they try to change their bodies to match their inner identity.

Non-binary people who do not identify exclusively with the gender binary face their

challenges. Due to society's limited understanding of non-binary identities, they can often struggle with invisibility and lack of representation. This lack of validation can exacerbate body dysphoria and contribute to the development of disordered eating habits as a coping mechanism. The following quote from a research paper about the same says: “For individuals with nonbinary gender identities, the odds of being diagnosed with an eating disorder by a health professional were 3.16 times the odds of being diagnosed with an eating disorder in individuals with a binary gender identity.”

Addressing the consequences of gender identity-related eating disorders requires a

multidimensional approach that recognizes and validates the unique experiences of transgender and nonbinary people. Mental health professionals must receive specialized training to provide culturally competent care that recognizes each person's unique challenges. Creating safe spaces and support groups where people can openly discuss their experiences is invaluable. Promoting education about body positivity, inclusion, and diverse gender identities can help reduce stigma and create a more positive environment for struggling individuals. Additionally, medical interventions such as hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery can help provide comfort and peace for transgender and non-

binary people with body dysmorphia.

Understanding the complex interplay between gender identity and eating disorders is critical

to providing comprehensive and effective treatment for individuals struggling with these disorders. Recognizing the unique challenges that nonbinary and transgender people face, including body dysmorphia and gender envy, allows clinicians, researchers, and society as a whole to adopt more holistic approaches to prevention, early intervention, and treatment. By creating a culture of acceptance and understanding, we can help create a supportive environment for all genders, ultimately reducing the prevalence and impact of eating disorders in these communities.

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Lgbtqnation. “What Is Gender Envy? Unpacking This Term.” LGBTQ Nation, 26 July 2022,

www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/07/gender-envy-unpacking-term/.

Diemer, Elizabeth W., et al. “Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and Eating-Related Pathology in a National Sample of College Students.” Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 57, no. 2, 2015, pp. 144–149, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.03.003.

Hunnicutt, Carrie. “Gender Identity and Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa in the Transgender

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