Gay Men

Gay men are a population who are at-risk for body image disorders.  Gay men are susceptible to anorexia, bulimia, muscle dysmorphia, and exercise addiction. 

Gay men are likely to work out for appearance reasons, while straight men are likely to work out for health reasons.  One reason for body image concerns is for social approval and social acceptance in the gay community.  Certain subcultures emphasize different body types; for example, Bears extol an overweight and hairy body, Leathermen a muscular body, and Club Kids a thin physique.  Inclusion in such subcultures is based party on body-type.

Additionally, research has shown that appearance is highly important in dating situations.  Gay men place an emphasis on physical attractiveness in partners and dates.  In straight couples, straight men place an emphasis on physical attractiveness too, while straight women look for other qualities as well.  Hence, a man who does not meet cultural standards of attractiveness still can enjoy a likely dating life due to other reasons.  But for gay men, this may not necessarily be so.  Gay men both seek attractiveness and have attractiveness sought in them.  Hence, a predisposition to disorders that gay men feel can provide physical attractiveness.   

Body image and disorders are partly due to internalized homonegativity (homophobia).  Recent research has revealed that high internalized homonegativity is congruent with a negative body image.  Such links may lead to disorders such as compulsive working-out, anorexia, or bulimia.