Project 466840

Eating disorders (EDs) are mental illnesses usually viewed as only affecting women. However, men can also suffer from EDs. Some studies report that a large proportion of those men are gay or bisexual. In fact, homosexuality is a specific risk factor for EDs; however, the literature is still scarce on this issue. Moreover, gender diverse people (i.e. trans, non-binary) are also understudied in research on EDs, but we know that these people can have body image disturbances that can trigger ED-related pathology. Taken together, ourobjectives are to study the interaction between disordered eating and sexual orientation/gender identity. A pseudo-experimental study will compare LGBTQ+ participants with cis-heterosexual participants on their tendency to restric their caloric intake. Every participant will have to consume one or more milkshakes. Then, they will be asked to consume a self-chosen quantity of ice cream. This pseudo-experimentation has shown in past research conducted only among cis-heterosexual people that participants that restrict their food intake usually binge on ice cream afterwards. In addition to the experiment focused on caloric restriction, our study will measure cortisol (the stress hormone) and two peptides known to play a role in hunger and satiety (ghrelin and leptin) to assess for biological differences between the participants and any reactivity of these physiological systems. Finally, this study will also measure different psychological variables, such as attitudes regarding food and body image, mental health, and weight history. This study will allow clinicians to know more about specific risk factors for LGBTQ+ people regarding disordered eating or EDs, and will shed light on an understudied topic.