Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) teenagers are more likely to binge eat and/or suffer from bullimia, according to a major new US study.

Researchers from the Harvard University and Children’s Hospital Boston used data from a U.S. survey of 14,000 teenagers and and found that from the age of 12 LGBT teenagers were found to be at higher risk of eating disorders than heterosexual teenagers.

Girls who identified as lesbian or bisexual were almost twice as likely to binge eat at least once a month, and they were also more likely to say they had ‘purged’ – deliberately vomited or abused laxatives - in the past year in order to control their weight.

Gay male teenagers were seven times more likely to report bingeing and nearly 12 times more likely to report purging than heterosexual male teenagers.

“We know that gay, lesbian, and other sexual-minority kids are often under a lot of pressure,” said lead researcher S. Bryn Austin, noting that these teens are often “treated like outsiders” in their own families and schools, and may be excluded, harassed or victimized by bullies.

“This kind of isolation and victimization can take its toll on a young person,” added Austin.

“One of ways it can play out is in vulnerability to eating-disorder symptoms and a host of other stress-related health problems.”

“It is incredibly important for parents and other family members to reach out and make sure these youth know they are loved and supported, that they can count on their families to stay by their side.”

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