How Tattoos Support Body Image and Eating Disorder Recovery

This is a guest blog written by Anna Dimas, a graduate student in Clinical Psychology in Dr. Alleva’s lab at Maastricht University.

Source: Mohammad Faruque / Unsplash

Eating disorders are complex conditions that disrupt almost every aspect of a person’s life—including a person’s relationship with their body. While eating disorders can affect individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or body size, gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.

The term GSM refers to people whose gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation, falls outside the cisgender heterosexual norm. This includes sexual minorities (e.g., gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual) and gender minorities (e.g., transgender, non-binary). There are many theories to explain why eating disorders are much more prevalent in this population, but there is currently little research on interventions that may improve body image and support eating disorder recovery among this group.

One unconventional approach to eating disorder recovery that has only recently received research attention is tattooing. In a recent study by Silverstein and Santibañez (2025), this topic was explored in the context of eating disorder recovery in a predominantly transgender and gender expansive sample. The researchers aimed to increase our understanding of how tattooing may contribute to the development of a positive body image and recovery-oriented behaviors.

The Research Design

Silverstein and Santibañez conducted three focus groups with 15 individuals with lived eating disorder experience, at least three tattoos, and who self-identified as being in recovery. Most of the participants identified as being part of a GSM group.

The researchers used open-ended questions to guide group discussions about eating disorder recovery, body image, and the perceived impact of tattoos on the participants’ self-image. The transcripts from the focus groups were then analyzed to identify common patterns, or “themes,” across the participants’ experiences.

Key Findings

The researchers identified four common themes across the focus groups that provide insight into how tattooing could positively impact body image and eating disorder recovery:

1. Tattooing as a Commitment to Recovery: The process of getting a tattoo strengthens recovery-oriented behaviors, such as adequate nutrition and self-care, which are crucial when getting and taking care of a tattoo.

Participants described their tattoos as symbols for their personal growth and a shift to appreciating what their bodies can do for them. In contrast to the experience of losing control through the eating disorder and societal pressures, tattoos are also perceived as a powerful tool to reclaim a sense of agency and power. For example, one participant shared: “This [tattoo] is a representation of like all of my life, living with me, and no one can take that away.”

2. Tattooing as a Therapeutic Process: Tattooing is viewed as a therapeutic process that helps build resilience against body objectification, which is the societal tendency to reduce individuals to what they look like rather than who they are. Participants reported that their tattoos help them challenge negative self-perceptions and beauty ideals.

Furthermore, working with tattoo artists who share similar identities offers connection and affirmation, promoting gender euphoria—a feeling of joy and satisfaction with one’s gender expression. As one participant said, “Being able to sit in a space with another trans person for [a tattoo] was also extremely affirming. Being able to talk about gender stuff while tattooing was amazing.”

3. Tattooing as a Vehicle for Embodiment: Tattooing is perceived as a powerful tool for individuals to connect with their bodies. This was particularly relevant for the GSM individuals and those with disabilities, as they described that they often felt outside of societal body norms. Many described that getting a tattoo helped them become more aware of their bodily signals—like physical discomfort or emotions—and act based on their feelings.

Body Image Essential Reads

Midlife Body Weight Shaped by High School Experiences

The Showgirl Without Her War Paint?

One individual shared how the process helped them transform years of discomfort: “It is the day of and when the ink is going into my body that I start to digest all the feelings and emotions I have had with a part of the body. All the years of not liking this or that, the shame and hate being pulled out as I am sitting or lying with my whole focused attention on being present and feeling the pain that getting a tattoo requires. Afterward, I beam and am much more willing to show it off.”

4. Tattooing and Body Image: Participants described how tattoos help them to challenge traditional beauty standards and to feel more positively about their body. They also shared that their tattoos reminded them to be compassionate toward themselves and to maintain their journey toward recovery.

For example, one participant shared: “My life changed when I got a large tattoo on my stomach. I started to get out of the shower and not hate myself. It seemed to be the only place I could make intentional decisions about myself, to add this to my collection of things that make me feel stronger.”

Take-Home Messages

The findings of this study suggest that tattoos are much more than ink on skin: They may serve as a tool to support recovery and a healthy relationship with one’s body and self, particularly among GSM individuals. In addition, the findings highlight the importance of inclusive and identity-affirming approaches to eating disorder recovery, reminding us that recovery may look different for everyone and that creative approaches such as tattooing could play a meaningful role.

Looking ahead, future research could explore whether people feel better about their bodies or experience fewer eating disorder symptoms after getting a tattoo compared to before. This would allow us to understand whether tattooing plays a direct, causal role in the recovery process.