1
|
Chakkour E, Simone M, Askew AJ, Blashill AJ. The association between gender-affirming care and disordered eating in transgender and gender diverse individuals: Exploring appearance congruence and gender-related motivating factors for weight loss. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:1576-1588. [PMID: 38549493 PMCID: PMC11262982 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to explore between-group differences across different stages of gender-affirming care, and associations between appearance congruence, gender-related motivations for weight loss, and disordered eating in transgender and gender expansive (TGE) individuals. METHOD A total of 160 TGE adults (aged 18-30) were recruited across the United States. Participants completed a comprehensive online survey. Data were analyzed using generalized linear models and bivariate correlations. RESULTS Significant differences in appearance congruence among participants at different transition stages were revealed, with the group that achieved their desired transition reporting the highest appearance congruence compared to all other groups. Furthermore, gender-related motivations for weight loss were significantly lower in individuals who achieved their desired transition compared to those with no plans to transition. DISCUSSION Findings suggest significantly higher appearance congruence in those who achieved their desired transition compared to other groups, and individuals who attained their desired transition exhibited significantly reduced gender-related motivations for weight loss compared to those with no plans to transition. These findings underscore the potential psychological benefits associated with successful gender-affirming care, highlighting its role not only in fostering appearance congruence but also in mitigating gender-related motivations for weight loss among TGE individuals. Future research should include larger and more diverse samples, longitudinal designs, and considerations of other factors influencing body image outcomes in this population. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This study sheds light on the crucial relationship between gender-affirming care and body image outcomes in TGE individuals. Understanding how appearance congruence and gender-related motivations for weight loss are associated with disordered eating can inform tailored support and interventions. By recognizing the association of gender affirming care and well-being, healthcare providers can enhance care for TGE individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Em Chakkour
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, United States
| | - Melissa Simone
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Denver, 1200 Larimer Street, Denver, CO, 80217, United States
| | - Autumn J. Askew
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 103, San Diego, CA, 92120, United States
| | - Aaron J. Blashill
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, United States
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 103, San Diego, CA, 92120, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nagata JM, Stuart E, Hur JO, Panchal S, Low P, Chaphekar AV, Ganson KT, Lavender JM. Eating Disorders in Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:340-350. [PMID: 38829456 PMCID: PMC11211184 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01508-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To consolidate recent literature addressing eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors among sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adolescents. RECENT FINDINGS Sexual and gender minority adolescents are at heightened vulnerability to eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, potentially due to minority stress, gender norms, objectification, and the influence of the media, peers, and parents. We report findings from recent literature on the epidemiology and prevalence, assessment, mental health comorbidity, quality of life and psychosocial functioning, risk and protective factors, and treatment and interventions for eating disorders in sexual and gender minority adolescents. Addressing eating disorders in sexual and gender minority adolescents requires an integrated approach consisting of screening, tailored treatment, and comprehensive support to address intersectional challenges. Gender-affirming and trauma-informed care approaches may be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Nagata
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA.
| | - Elena Stuart
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline O Hur
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA
| | - Smriti Panchal
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Low
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA
| | - Anita V Chaphekar
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0503, San Francisco, 94143, CA, USA
| | - Kyle T Ganson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason M Lavender
- Military Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Program (MiCOR), Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
- The Metis Foundation, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Riddle M, Blalock DV, Robertson L, Duffy A, Le Grange D, Mehler PS, Rienecke RD, Joiner T. Comparing eating disorder treatment outcomes of transgender and gender diverse adolescents with those of cisgender adolescents. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:1555-1565. [PMID: 38483005 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorder (ED), depression, and anxiety symptoms at admission and discharge were compared, as were admission-to-discharge changes, for transgender and gender diverse (TGD), and cisgender adolescents receiving intensive treatment for EDs. METHOD Participants were 44 TGD and 573 cisgender adolescents admitted to a treatment facility. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) at admission and discharge. RESULTS Both groups had elevated EDE-Q scores at admission (TGD: M = 3.78, standard deviation [SD] = 1.70; cisgender: M = 3.33, SD = 1.74) that improved by discharge (TGD: M = 2.27, SD = 1.83, Cohen's d = .98; cisgender: M = 2.10, SD = 1.54, Cohen's d = .79); there were no differences in EDE-Q between groups at admission (p = .09; odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] [.98, 1.44]) or discharge (p = .48; OR = 1.07, 95% CI [.88, 1.30]). On admission, TGD adolescents had higher suicidality, measured by PHQ-9, item 9 (p < .001; OR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.51, 2.52]), and depression (p < .001; OR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.05, 1.16]) than cisgender participants. Severity decreased over treatment for all measures. Both groups showed similar improvement on suicidality (p = .93; OR = .98, 95% CI [.70,1.36]), depression (p = .42; OR = 1.02, 95% CI [.97, 1.07]), and anxiety (p = .14; OR = 1.05, 95% CI [.99, 1.12]). However, at discharge, suicidality (p = .02; OR = 1.40, 95% CI [1.04, 1.85]), depression (p < .01; OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.02, 1.11]), and anxiety (p = .02; OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.01, 1.12]) were higher for TGD adolescents than their cisgender peers. DISCUSSION All participants had similar ED symptom severity and improvement. Depression, anxiety, and suicidality remained elevated for TGD adolescents compared to their cisgender peers at discharge, suggesting the need for targeted treatment. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents have increased risk of eating disorders (EDs); few studies examine how they respond to ED treatment. We examine treatment outcomes of TGD adolescents receiving ED treatment compared to their cisgender peers. We measured ED symptoms along with depression, anxiety, and suicidality at the beginning and end of treatment. While TGD adolescents showed similar improvement in ED symptoms, measures of depression, anxiety, and suicidality remained elevated at the time of discharge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Riddle
- Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center, Bellevue, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dan V Blalock
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lee Robertson
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Alan Duffy
- Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Daniel Le Grange
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
- Emeritus, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philip S Mehler
- Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
- ACUTE at Denver Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Renee D Rienecke
- Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas Joiner
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gordon AR, Roberts S, Silverstein S, Rose KL, Lopez E, Calzo JP. What is needed for eating disorder prevention for transgender and gender diverse young adults? Findings from asynchronous online focus groups. Body Image 2024; 48:101667. [PMID: 38101273 PMCID: PMC10922438 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) young adults face higher risk of eating disorder (ED) symptoms than cisgender peers. Evidence-based ED prevention programs exist but must be adapted to meet the needs of diverse TGD populations. We conducted eight asynchronous online focus groups in 2019 with 66 ethnically and gender diverse TGD young adults (18-30 years) living in the United States. Participants were recruited online; groups took place over four consecutive days. We conducted inductive thematic analysis of participant responses to three prompts about ED prevention needs and advice for program developers. Findings fell into three domains. In Domain 1: Developing Program Content, themes included (1.1) need to address multiple dimensions of gender; (1.2) intersectional representation matters; (1.3) limitations of ED research; (1.4) being responsive to trauma. Domain 2: Program Delivery Considerations, included preferences for (2.1) group composition, (2.2) intervention modality, and (2.3) program leadership. Domain 3: Cultivating Affirming Spaces included themes addressing the need for programs to (3.1) create judgment-free environments and (3.2) center lived experience. TGD young adults in this study described a range of needs and recommendations for ED prevention content and delivery, with relevance to clinicians, program designers, and ED prevention advocates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allegra R Gordon
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Savannah Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Kelsey L Rose
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | - Jerel P Calzo
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA; Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lawrence SE, Watson RJ, Eadeh HM, Brown C, Puhl RM, Eisenberg ME. Bias-based bullying, self-esteem, queer identity pride, and disordered eating behaviors among sexually and gender diverse adolescents. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:303-315. [PMID: 37990394 PMCID: PMC10922269 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Limited research incorporates an intersectional approach when evaluating disordered eating behaviors among those holding minoritized social positions, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, and/or transgender/gender diverse (LGBTQ) adolescents. The current study assessed stigma experiences from peers at school, self-esteem, LGBTQ pride, and overlapping social positions as they relate to disordered eating behaviors among LGBTQ adolescents. METHOD Participants included 11,083 adolescents (Mage = 15.6, SD = 1.3; 34.8% transgender/gender diverse) from a large national survey study of LGBTQ adolescents from 2017. Exhaustive Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection analysis was used to identify bias-based bullying experiences (i.e., weight-based, identity-based), self-esteem, LGBTQ pride, and overlapping social positions (i.e., gender identity, sexual identity, race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI) percentile) associated with the highest prevalence of unhealthy weight control behaviors, extreme unhealthy weight control behaviors, and past year binge eating. RESULTS Adolescents in the 28 identified groups with a high prevalence of disordered eating behavior held at least one structurally marginalized social position (e.g., high BMI), bias-based bullying experience, low self-esteem, or low LGBTQ pride in addition to being LGBTQ. Weight-based bullying was a salient risk-factor for disordered eating across social positions. Among adolescents with the same social positions, levels of self-esteem, LGBTQ pride, but no bias-based bullying experience, prevalence estimates of disordered eating were, on average, 23% lower. DISCUSSION LGBTQ adolescents with multiple marginalized social positions and related factors engage in disproportionately high prevalence disordered eating. Findings underscore the importance of addressing intersecting experiences of stigma to reduce disordered eating and promote health equity among adolescents. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Multiply marginalized LGBTQ adolescents, most of whom also reported experiencing bias-based bullying from peers at school, reported disproportionately high prevalence disordered eating. In comparison groups of adolescents with no bias-based bullying experience, prevalence of disordered eating was, on average, 24% lower. Findings underscore the importance of addressing intersecting experiences of stigma to reduce disordered eating and promote health equity among adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E. Lawrence
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Ryan J. Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Hana-May Eadeh
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Camille Brown
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rebecca M. Puhl
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Marla E. Eisenberg
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Keski-Rahkonen A. Eating disorders in transgender and gender diverse people: characteristics, assessment, and management. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023; 36:412-418. [PMID: 37781981 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes recent research on eating disorders among gender minorities, transgender and gender diverse people. The focus is on research published in 2022 and the first half of 2023. RECENT FINDINGS Up to 1.2% of young people and 0.3-0.5% of adults identify as transgender, and 2.7-8.4% of young people and 0.3-4.5% of adults report some degree of gender diversity. About 20-50% of transgender and gender diverse people report engaging in disordered eating and >30% screen positive for eating disorder symptoms, and 2-12% have received an eating disorder diagnosis from a health professional. Many transgender and gender diverse people describe eating disorder symptoms as a way of coping with gender dysphoria. They also report high levels of mental and behavioral symptoms, particularly mood and anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, trauma-related symptoms and disorders, alcohol and substance use, and autism. Gender minorities frequently experience discrimination, victimization, and violence, primarily sexual and physical violence. The minority stress model attributes mental health symptoms to these factors. Promising interventions based on the minority stress model have recently become available, but more research is needed on how to support transgender and gender diverse people with eating disorders. To manage eating disorders in this population, gender-affirming care should be combined with specialist eating disorder treatment. SUMMARY Gender minorities are at high risk for eating disorders. Future studies should assess what is the most appropriate treatment for transgender and gender diverse people with eating disorders.
Collapse
|
7
|
Linsenmeyer W, Stiles D, Garwood S, Giedinghagen A, Lewis C, Strand G. Validation of the adolescent binge eating disorder measure (ADO-BED) among transgender youth and young adults. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:91. [PMID: 37287086 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00816-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender youth and young adults are at increased risk for eating disorders, including binge eating disorder, yet few measures have been validated for screening purposes with the transgender population. METHODS The purpose of this study was to provide initial evidence for the internal consistency and convergent validity of the Adolescent Binge Eating Disorder questionnaire (ADO-BED) in a sample of transgender youth and young adults. 208 participants completed the ADO-BED as part of a routine nutrition screening protocol at a gender center. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis was used to establish the factor structure of the ADO-BED. Relationships between the ADO-BED, Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF), Nine Item Avoidant/restrictive Intake Disorder (NIAS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and demographic characteristics were explored. RESULTS Analyses revealed a one-factor structure of the ADO-BED with good fit to the data in the present sample. The ADO-BED was shown to be significantly related to all convergent validity variables, except the NIAS. CONCLUSIONS The ADO-BED is a valid measure to screen for BED among transgender youth and young adults. Healthcare professionals can screen all transgender patients for BED, regardless of body size, in order to effectively identify and manage binge eating concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana Stiles
- Saint Louis University, 3437 Caroline Street, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Sarah Garwood
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Andrea Giedinghagen
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Christopher Lewis
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Gretta Strand
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|