Exploring the influence of gender dysphoria in eating disorders among gender diverse individuals

Abstract

Aim: Eating concerns, disordered eating and eating disorders have been noted to negatively impact the health and wellbeing of sexual and gender diverse individuals. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of gender diverse Canadians accessing treatment for eating disorders or disordered eating concerns to gain a deeper understanding of how dietitians and other health providers can provide gender affirming care. Methods: Seven self-identifying gender diverse participants were recruited and took part in semi-structured interviews. Most participants identified as white. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Four themes around gender dysphoria were constructed from the data, including gender dysphoria and eating disorders, barriers to accessing eating disorder treatments, harmful eating disorder treatment strategies and suggestions for eating disorder programmers and health professionals. Conclusion: Gender dysphoria considerations were believed to be lacking in traditional eating disorder treatment programs. Participants saw the need for more awareness and training in this area for dietitians and other health professionals.

More than an outcome: a person-centered, ecological framework for eating disorder recovery

“…Moreover, evidence suggests that ED clinicians are ill-equipped to support gender diverse clients and patients [ 86 ]. Gender diverse individuals have reported significant negative treatment effects related to gender dysphoria [ 81 ].…”

“…First, there are several barriers to accessing ED treatment related to cisnormativity. Intake and assessment processes may presume a binary gender identity, and some treatment beds are allocated by gender [ 81 ]. Gender diverse individuals may therefore, be deterred from even seeking treatment.…”

“…Gender diverse individuals may therefore, be deterred from even seeking treatment. Furthermore, gender diverse individuals have shared fears of transphobia in medical settings [ 81 , 86 ]. Many gender diverse individuals have encountered negative reactions from medical and mental health professionals in the past and may fear stigmatized reactions.…”

Mental health is EVERY dietitian's business!

“…19 Further, a systematic review found the therapeutic relationship between client and dietitian is a valued and multifactorial component of clinical dietetic practice. 40 Studies also explored associations between nutritional status and caregiver burden in Alzheimer's Disease, 41 the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on body image in LGBTQ+ individuals, 42 the prevalence of food insecurity among community-dwelling individuals with severe mental illness, 17 the influence of gender dysphoria in eating disorders among gender diverse individuals, 43 nutritional intake and food service satisfaction of adults in specialist inpatient mental health services, 18 and the issue of disordered eating among nutrition and dietetic students. 44 This issue of Nutrition & Dietetics allows for opportunities to upskill in mental health through increasing awareness of the realities and implications of good nutrition.…”

Wearable Identities: Understanding Wearables’ Potential for Supporting the Expression of Queer Identities

“…Blackstone et al [12] and Simpson et al [125] both found that commercial fitness wearables can negatively affect the user's emotional and physical health by inadvertently promoting behaviours linked to eating disorders such as calorie counting and compensatory behaviours for fitness goals. This is particularly relevant for a group like the queer community as eating disorders have been observed to disproportionately affect queer individuals, especially queer women and gender-diverse individuals [71,94]. The queer community has also shared concerns about the negative mental health impacts wearables might pose when increasing a sense of over-connection between the user and their other devices.…”