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Mental Health Impacts of Weight-Based Denial from Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Case Report
Teddy G Goetz1, Rachel Kishton1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Introduction:
High body mass index (BMI) can be a barrier to accessing gender-affirming surgery (GAS).
Method:
This case report discusses the mental health implications of being denied GAS based on BMI in a transgender woman presenting to psychiatric care integrated with primary care. Subsequently, we summarize existing literature regarding GAS and mental health.
Result:
Existing literature on GAS outcomes robustly demonstrates the mental health benefits of undergoing desired GAS and does not support using BMI to determine surgical candidacy.
Conclusion:
This case highlights why psychiatrists and other mental health clinicians should be concerned about BMI serving as a barrier to our patients accessing GAS.
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