Association between multiple discrimination experiences and disordered eating behavior among Brazilian university students

Emerging evidence suggests that discrimination may shape eating-related behaviors through psychosocial pathways. This study aimed to analyze the association between multiple forms of discrimination and disordered eating behaviors among undergraduate students in southern Brazil. This cross-sectional study included 1,502 undergraduate students from a public university in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Eating behaviors were assessed using the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire, generating food approach and food avoidance scores. Perceived discrimination based on weight, race, gender, and sexual orientation was self-reported and operationalized as both individual exposures and 16 intersectional discrimination strata. Associations were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for age. The highest food approach scores were observed among those reporting discrimination based on weight and sexual orientation (β = 9.1; 95% CI: 5.3, 12.8), weight and gender (β = 9.1; 95% CI: 7.0, 11.2), and weight and race (β = 9.0; 95% CI: 5.5, 12.4). For food avoidance, positive associations emerged for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender (β = 5.2; 95% CI: 3.0, 7.4), while negative associations were found for weight and gender (β = −3.1; 95% CI: −5.0, − 1.2), weight and sexual orientation (β = −3.6; 95% CI: −6.9, − 0.2), and weight alone (β. These findings demonstrate that perceived discrimination is associated with disordered eating behaviors in distinct and patterned ways, with weight-based discrimination playing a central role. An intersectional approach is essential to capture how multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination intensify vulnerability to disordered eating behaviors. Discrimination can affect people’s health and well-being in many ways, including how they eat. Being treated unfairly because of body weight, race, gender, or sexual orientation can cause stress and emotional distress, which may change everyday behaviors. In this study, we surveyed more than 1,500 university students in southern Brazil to understand how experiences of discrimination relate to disordered eating habits. We also examined what happens when people experience more than one type of discrimination at the same time. We found that students who experienced discrimination were more likely to show eating behaviors linked to overeating and emotional eating, especially those who experienced weight-based discrimination. These effects were even stronger when weight discrimination occurred together with discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or race. Some students who experienced discrimination related to both gender and sexual orientation showed more avoidant eating behaviors, such as eating less or avoiding food during stress. Overall, the findings show that discrimination is not only a social issue but also a health issue. Addressing discrimination.