Illuminating the intersectional experiences of individuals living with eating disorders and disordered eating: The in/accessibility of treatment services

Eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) significantly impact mental and physical health and are associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Canada, EDs affect an estimated one million people, while DEBs likely affect even more individuals, though prevalence remains under-measured. Many people with EDs/DEBs do not meet strict diagnostic criteria, and among those who do, only a minority are able to access appropriate care. Barriers to diagnosis and treatment include stigma, stereotypes, and limited equity-oriented and inclusive healthcare practices. These challenges are compounded for individuals who occupy marginalized social positions, who may face increased risk of EDs/DEBs while remaining under-represented in research and poorly served by existing treatment models. This qualitative research project aims to explore and illuminate the lived experiences of individuals with EDs/DEBs who experience marginalization in accessing diagnosis and treatment. By centering perspectives that are often excluded from eating disorder research, this study seeks to identify structural, social, and systemic factors shaping access to care and to inform more inclusive, responsive, and equitable approaches to ED/DEB diagnosis and treatment.