Medical considerations in the care of transgender and gender diverse patients with eating disorders.

ABSTRACT

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are at increased risk for the development of eating disorders, but very little has been published with regards to the unique aspects of their medical care in eating disorder treatment. Providing gender affirming care is a critical component of culturally competent eating disorder treatment. This includes knowledge of gender affirming medical and surgical interventions and how such interventions may be impacted by eating disordered behaviors, as well as the role of such interventions in eating disorder treatment and recovery. TGD individuals face barriers to care, and one of these can be provider knowledge. By better understanding these needs, clinicians can actively reduce barriers and ensure TGD individuals are provided with appropriate care. This review synthesizes the available literature regarding the medical care of TGD patients and those of patients with eating disorders and highlights areas for further research.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are at increased risk for developing eating disorders, but very little is known about their unique medical needs while in eating disorder treatment. TGD refers to individuals whose sex reported at birth does not align with their gender identity. This review examines the existing literature on TGD medical care and integrates this with the eating disorder literature. Improved knowledge of the medical needs to TGD individuals can help decrease barriers to care. This review aims to better understand the medical needs of TGD individuals in eating disorder treatment and highlights areas for further research.