Body Image, Disordered Eating, and Eating Disorders in Gender Diverse Youth

We examine the prevalence of body image disturbance, disordered eating, and eating disorders (EDs) among gender diverse youth, and discuss implications and recommendations for providers encountering these intersecting issues in their practice.

Increasing evidence demonstrates that transgender and non-binary youth experience greater rates of body image issues, as well as disordered eating and EDs. Gender dysphoria in combination with these body, shape, weight, and food concerns are associated with elevated rates of other comorbid psychiatric problems, each of which place gender diverse youth at risk for adverse outcomes. Routine assessment of gender dysphoria and EDs is necessary for earlier and therefore more successful interventions. Likewise, targeting symptoms of both gender dysphoria and EDs concurrently is critical for optimal results.

Body dissatisfaction, disordered eating and EDs are often related to and comorbid with gender dysphoria, all of which are prevalent among gender diverse youth. Such symptoms are associated with additional psychiatric issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in this population. For earlier intervention and better outcomes, routine screening in primary care settings is necessary, as are referrals to providers who are equipped to treat both gender- and eating-related problems simultaneously.