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Learn more about the results we get at Within
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Eating disorders are dangerous and potentially deadly conditions that can impact individuals of every age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sex, or gender. Non-binary individuals who struggle with these conditions may have specific risk factors and symptoms or benefit more from certain types of care.
The most effective types of treatment for non-binary people with eating disorders is still an emerging topic of research, but researchers are continuing to develop inclusive care practices, which could work to help this community, as it represents one of the more at-risk populations.
While eating disorders can impact anyone, there are certain overlaps between those who are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders and members of the non-binary community, which may put non-binary people at a particularly elevated risk for eating disorders.
The top among these concerns is minority stress. In many cases, eating disorders develop as a maladaptive coping mechanism, and non-binary people may experience many types of stress on a regular basis, including outside stress from bias, discrimination, and stigmatization or inward stress stemming from feelings of not living in a body that matches their gender identity.1
A lack of inclusive and gender-informed care can also contribute to these numbers, acting as a barrier to treatment that can cause dangerous ripple effects throughout the non-binary community.
Gender dysphoria vs. body image concerns
Body image concerns are a driving factor for many types of eating disorders. People with these conditions may become fixated on the way they look or achieving a certain body shape, weight, or size. Eventually, they can tie much of their sense of self-worth to these concerns.
Body image disturbance based on conforming to a specific size or weight should not be confused with gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a sense of distress that occurs as a result of being perceived as a gender that does not align with one’s gender identity or having physical characteristics not associated with one’s gender identity.5
Not everyone all nonbinary people experience gender dysphoria, and some people primarily experience distress from being perceived or referred to as the wrong gender but without distress related to their body. For people who do experience gender dysphoria related to physical characteristics, this can increase the risk of engaging in eating disorder behaviors, including attempting to lose weight or gain muscle to achieve a body shape or size that will reduce experiences of dysphoria related to one’s body.1
Treatment challenges for non-binary people
There may be many barriers to receiving adequate and appropriate treatment for non-binary people with eating disorders.
Eating disorders tend to thrive in self-isolation, which many non-binary people may also experience due to bullying or bias they may encounter related to their gender identity. Self-isolating can allow people to hide their symptoms and struggles more easily and can even lead to further health complications if someone struggles for longer.
At Within, we practice inclusivity and ensure all patients feel safe and heard in our program.
Some non-binary individuals may also feel that help is not possible or that others would not understand what they're going through. Fear of rejection from medical institutions or belief that their experiences may not be taken seriously due to their gender identity or institutional transphobia could lead many not to seek out care in the first place.
Issues can also arise from within the medical community itself. Since the impact of eating disorders on the non-binary community has been historically under-studied, it may be difficult for even well-meaning doctors to identify eating disorders in non-binary individuals. Eating disorders may present differently in non-binary individuals, and without proper research or education, doctors may miss these signs.
And, once again, limited treatment options designed specifically for non-binary people can also play a role. Non-binary people may not seek out treatment if they feel a program will not help, or they may not find as much success within a treatment regimen even if they do seek out care.
Non-binary eating disorder treatment
There's a high eating disorder prevalence among the non-binary community. Overall, it's estimated there are 1.2 million non-binary adults living in the United States.2 Of those, around 7.4% of the non-binary adult population self-identify as having an eating disorder.3
Clearly, more treatment options for non-binary patients are needed. However, current research practices limit the ways clinicians may be able to identify eating disorders in non-binary patients or be able to address concerns specific to the non-binary community.6
Gender-inclusive care is a big step in the right direction. These types of measures may include:4
Addressing patients with the correct pronouns
Creating an empowering and inclusive treatment environment
Developing individualized meal plans rather than gender-specific meal plans
The continuing research and education on eating disorders in the non-binary community is another important aspect of developing appropriate models of care and eating disorder prevention.
Non-binary eating disorder treatment at Within Health
Anyone can struggle with disordered eating behaviors, but the issue may be particularly pervasive in the non-binary community. A lack of information and understanding of how eating disorders affect this population can create several barriers to treatment, but help is still possible.
A comprehensive approach to care is imperative. At Within Health, we employ a team of multidisciplinary experts to ensure each person’s emotional, physical, and mental health are accounted for during treatment. An individual treatment plan is then created for each patient to consider their particular needs and history.
We also ensure our team is educated on the latest research regarding eating disorders in the non-binary community and gender-inclusive and gender-affirming care initiatives. We believe inclusivity should be a top priority in care so prospective patients will feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout their treatment journey.
We take care of you
If you or someone you love is looking for healing from disordered eating, Within Health has inclusive programs built specifically for non-binary people. Call our clinical care team now to learn about our virtual treatment program for eating disorders.
Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.
Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.
Do all non-binary people struggle with their body image?
No. Not every non-binary person struggles with body image issues. Those that do, however, may be at an elevated risk of experiencing an eating disorder.
Does a non-binary person struggling with an eating disorder qualify for higher levels of care in the treatment of eating disorders?
It depends. Levels of care for eating disorders are recommended based on factors like the severity of symptoms, a patient's medical risk, and how long the patient has been struggling with the eating disorder. These factors are independent of someone's gender identity.
Is there an eating disorder treatment designed for non-binary people?
Unfortunately, there are no eating disorder treatments designated for non-binary people specifically. However, there are treatment programs, like the one offered through Within Health, that are gender-affirming and inclusive, with a particular focus on creating a supportive, attuned space for individuals navigating the experience of being a non-binary person with an eating disorder. These programs are open and accepting of all identities. In addition, these environments must display extra care and attention to create supportive spaces and a sense of belonging for those requiring higher levels of care.
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