Disordered eating and considerations for the transgender community: a review of the literature and clinical guidance for assessment and treatment

• Published in: Journal of eating disorders Vol. 11; no. 1; p. 75
• Main Authors: McGregor, Kerry, McKenna, John L, Barrera, Ellis P, Williams, Coleen R, Hartman-Munick, Sydney M, Guss, Carly E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 15-05-2023; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Disordered eating behaviors; Eating behavior; Eating disorders; Food habits; Gays & lesbians; Gender diversity; Gender dysphoria; Gender identity; Health aspects; Lesbians; LGBTQ; LGBTQ people; Literature reviews; Mental health; Minority & ethnic groups; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Non-binary gender; Oppression; Puberty; Review; Risk factors; Self image; Sex discrimination; Transgender people; Transgender persons; United States > US; Disordered eating behaviors; Transgender; Gender diversity; LGBTQ; Eating disorders
• ISSN: 2050-2974; 2050-2974
• DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00793-0

It has been well established that individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer are at increased risk for mental health pathology, including eating disorders/disordered eating behaviors (ED/DEB). However, less is understood about the unique experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people who struggle with ED/DEB.
The purpose of this literature review is to examine the literature regarding the unique risk factors for TGD individuals who experience ED/DEB through a lens informed by the minority stress model. Additionally, guidance around the assessment and clinical management of eating disorders for TGD individuals will be presented.
TGD people are at increased risk for developing ED/DEB due to a number of factors including: gender dysphoria, minority stress, the desire to pass, and barriers to gender affirming care.
While guidance around assessment and treatment of ED/DEB for TGD individuals is still limited, adhering to a gender affirmative care model is essential.