Body image and eating pathology in transgender and gender diverse populations future directions

Systematic reviews of the growing research focused on body image and eating concerns experienced by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people have highlighted (1) elevated levels of disordered eating, global ED pathology, and rates of body image concerns among TGD people as compared to cisgender individuals, with fewer differences between TGD groups; (2) consistent improvement in body image concerns following gender affirming care, with less clear patterns regarding eating outcomes; and (3) a relation between higher experiences of discrimination and body image concerns as well as eating pathology. Given these findings, the objective of this manuscript was to formulate critical new directions for future research. The first direction pertains to addressing the limitations of the extant research in terms of sampling, measures, and study design. The second is related to ways of extending the understanding of risk and protective factors for body image and eating concerns in TGD people. Third is the need for developing effective prevention and intervention efforts. Finally, establishing partnerships and focusing on co-design with individuals with lived experience is an essential direction. TGD individuals experience high risks for body image and eating concerns and additional research is needed to further inform intervention and resource allocation.