A quantitative study to investigate the relationship between mental health and dietary intake in LGBT+ young adults (18-24) in the UK

Abstract

Background: LGBT+ research has showed a concerning scale of poor mental health within young adult communities, which has possibly been a result of stigma, discrimination and current LGBT+ politics. Poorer mental health may increase the likelihood of eating disorder pathology, which is seen at a higher rate in LGBT+ individuals, alongside food insecurity when compared to cis-gendered heterosexual peers. Poor dietary intake can result in long-term chronic diseases, which can strain health care services. However, LGBT+ youth face barriers to accessing health care and therefore, it is imperative to explore the risk factors to inform interventions that prevent health inequalities. 

 Methods: A quantitative methodology was followed using an online anonymous questionnaire, which was advertised on the researcher’s social media and posters around the LJMU Student Life Campus. 

Results: Of the 127 participants, 23 reported they were lesbian, 61 were gay, 31 were bisexual, seven were heterosexual and four reported other. Transgender individuals made up nine of the participants and non-binary individuals made up 12 of the participants. All sexual orientations and gender identities had a significant score for experiencing anxiety (fairly often). Lesbians and ‘other’ reported poorer mental health and had the worst dietary intakes, with statistically lower breakfast intake, higher intake of takeaway and a higher intake of confectionary compared to other groups. Gay and heterosexual individuals had the most beneficial dietary intake, with a higher consumption of breakfast, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables and protein intake compared to other sexual orientations. Whilst gay individuals had better mental health, cis-gendered individuals had better mental health answers when compared to trans/non-binary individuals and these individuals also had a significantly poorer dietary intake. 

Conclusion: All sexual orientations and gender identities had different mental health stressors and dietary intake patterns. Results suggest that gay individuals had the least mental health issues and gay and heterosexuals had the best dietary intake. Lesbians, ‘other’ and trans/non-binary individuals had the poorest dietary intake and mental health responses compared to other groups. Further research is needed to find conclusive results on dietary intake and its relationship to mental health so that public health professionals can create interventions and awareness programmes.