Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, and Weight-Related Outcomes in Sexual and Gender-Minority Populations: An Umbrella Review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Evidence on eating disorders (EDs), disordered eating, and weight-related outcomes in sexual-and-gender-minority (SGM) populations varies across subgroups and outcomes. This umbrella review critically synthesized systematic-review evidence. Methods: Searches initially performed in April 2024 were updated and expanded on 15 October 2026 across Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, and Embase. Fourteen systematic reviews, including five meta-analyses, met the eligibility criteria. We conducted a structured narrative synthesis, appraised review methodology using the JBI checklist, and assessed primary-publication overlap using corrected covered area (CCA). Results: Among sexual-minority males, especially adolescents and young adults, reviews repeatedly reported elevated disordered-eating behaviors relative to heterosexual counterparts, although direct comparisons between sexual-minority subgroups were limited. Findings for sexual-minority females varied by behavior, age, and sexual-orientation category, whereas higher BMI or overweight/obesity was reported more consistently. In transgender and gender-diverse populations, screening-based estimates suggested substantial probable ED symptom burden but were highly heterogeneous and did not represent clinically confirmed diagnoses. Male sexual-minority weight-related findings did not parallel disordered-eating patterns across the different evidence bases. Overall CCA was 7.52% for ED-related outcomes and 5.30% for weight/BMI, with greater overlap in several subgroup analyses. Conclusions: Disordered-eating and weight-related disparities should be interpreted separately and by subgroup. Observational designs, heterogeneous measures, and overlapping primary publications limit causal, comparative, and clinical inferences.
Source: Psychiatry International
Institution: University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W7225803389