Weight Bias Internalization and Disordered Eating: Examining the Role of Sexual Orientation in a Sample of Women Who Binge Eat

Sexual minority women and heterosexual women endorse different rates of disordered eating symptoms. Weight bias internalization (WBI), or self-directed negative attitudes and beliefs about oneself due to their weight, is known to be associated with binge eating and other disordered eating behaviors. However, little is known about the influence WBI may have on disordered eating symptoms across various sexual orientations. Therefore, this study examined disordered eating, WBI, and the association between them among sexual minority and heterosexual women. Specifically, the study aims were to (1) compare instances of WBI and disordered eating symptoms between sexual minority and heterosexual women, (2) examine the associations between WBI and a variety of disordered eating behaviors, and (3) examine the associations between WBI and disordered eating symptoms as moderated by sexual orientation. Data for the current study came from a parent study examining disordered eating among women with diverse sexual orientations who binge eat (N = 316). Results indicated that sexual minority women (N = 154) and heterosexual women (N = 162) reported similar levels of most disordered eating behaviors, with heterosexual women appearing significantly more likely to engage in purging than sexual minority women. WBI was significantly associated with all disordered eating behaviors, excluding restriction of caloric intake, however sexual minority status did not moderate any of these associations. These findings further our understanding of the functioning and specific risks for disordered eating among women who binge eat and may help develop culturally-informed assessment and treatment techniques.