Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Canada

Abstract

Evidence suggests that gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) score higher than heterosexual-identifying men on disordered eating symptomology (DES). This exploratory study examined if the following psychosocial factors were associated with DES among a diverse sample of MSM: race, age, sexual identity, sexual risk, substance use, depression, history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and internalized homophobia. Using cross sectional data collected at “Pride Toronto 2008” (N = 383), multivariate analysis revealed the following factors to be associated with DES: CSA, depression, being White (vs. Black or Asian), being younger, and engaging in behaviours to increase muscle mass. These results may inform the development of useful and efficacious interventions to reduce the risks associated with body dissatisfaction and DES among MSM.