The IncludED study is one of Australia's largest investigations into eating and body image concerns within the LGBTQIA+ community, conducted through online surveys with people aged 16+ from across the globe. The findings aim to improve awareness, support, and treatment for eating disorders within these communities, which have been historically under‑researched.
Aims:
This international study aimed to understand the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people with eating, body shape/weight, exercise and mental health concerns who may or may not have a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder. The collected data provides deeper insights into lived experiences of eating disorders within the LGBTQIA+ community and provide information to improve awareness, understanding, supports, and treatments.
Background:
Limited evidence indicates higher rates of disordered eating within people who identify as LGBTQIA+, yet little is known about their experiences of eating, body image and treatment seeking within these diverse communities collectively. We designed the IncludED study with members of the community, for the community, seeking to better understand prevalence, characteristics, and health interactions with eating and body image concerns among LGBTQIA+ people. This is one of the largest studies in Australia to explore eating disorder experiences in the LGBTQIA+ community collectively.
'I didn't want a feminine body': Calls for eating disorder services to better support LGBTIQ+ patients
InsideOut's Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley discusses the need for more inclusive eating disorder services for LGBTIQ+ patients and the launch of the IncludED Study examining disordered eating in these communities in SBS News.
19 Feb, 2023
Why eating disorders are misunderstood and mistreated in LGBTQ+ communities
InsideOut's Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley discusses the misunderstanding and mistreatment of eating disorders in LGBTQ+ communities and the launch of Australia's first national survey on the subject in The Sydney Morning Herald.
19 Feb, 2023
New Research To Better Understand The Eating Disorder Experiences Of The LGBTQI+ Community
InsideOut's Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley discusses the IncludED study examining eating disorder experiences in the LGBTQIA+ community and the need for better understanding and healthcare support in LOTL.
02 May, 2023
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