Measurement and construct validity of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Form in a transgender and gender diverse community sample

"That's not at all what I needed" trans adults' perspectives on trans-affirming primary care and eating disorders

Transgender and gender diverse adults, referred to collectively as trans, experience eating disorders (EDs) at high rates and struggle to find primary care providers (PCPs) knowledgeable in both gender-affirming care and EDs. Most research regarding healthcare experiences of trans people with EDs focuses on specialized treatment. This qualitative study explored the experiences of trans patients with ED symptoms in trans-affirming primary care, which offers clinical support for gender affirmation in the context of interpersonally gender-affirming primary care services. Twenty-two participants were recruited via social media to participate in focus groups (n = 5). Researchers utilized thematic analysis. Participants reported gender-affirming and non-affirming experiences, experienced unwelcome comments from providers regarding bodies and gender, encountered barriers to disclosing their ED symptoms, felt transition-related medical care supported recovery but did not always resolve their ED symptoms, felt they had to self-advocate, and wanted their providers to recognize them as whole people (beyond their ED and transness) who experience joy. Importantly, despite being trans-affirming, participants critiqued trans-affirming primary care as perpetuating weight stigma and binary gender norms. Participants recommended providers receive ED training, implement universal ED screening, and explore how sociocultural norms regarding weight and gender negatively impact trans health outcomes.

Guidelines for research with transgender, gender diverse, and intersex individuals with eating disorders: recommendations from trans and intersex researchers

Further research is urgently needed to address the disproportionately high rates of eating disorders (EDs) among transgender, gender diverse, and intersex (TGDI) individuals in comparison to cisgender, endosex (non-intersex) populations. As TGDI advocates, academics, and clinicians with lived/living experience with EDs, we propose a set of recommendations to guide ethical research specifically about EDs and disordered eating behaviors in TGDI populations. The guidelines included here aim to educate non-TGDI researchers and support TGDI researchers seeking to carry out such research. Considerations for study design, planning, data collection, and dissemination are included.

Bias-based bullying, self-esteem, queer identity pride, and disordered eating behaviors among sexually and gender diverse adolescents

OBJECTIVE

Limited research incorporates an intersectional approach when evaluating disordered eating behaviors among those holding minoritized social positions, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, and/or transgender/gender diverse (LGBTQ) adolescents. The current study assessed stigma experiences from peers at school, self-esteem, LGBTQ pride, and overlapping social positions as they relate to disordered eating behaviors among LGBTQ adolescents.

METHOD

Participants included 11,083 adolescents (Mage  = 15.6, SD = 1.3; 34.8% transgender/gender diverse) from a large national survey study of LGBTQ adolescents from 2017. Exhaustive Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection analysis was used to identify bias-based bullying experiences (i.e., weight-based, identity-based), self-esteem, LGBTQ pride, and overlapping social positions (i.e., gender identity, sexual identity, race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI) percentile) associated with the highest prevalence of unhealthy weight control behaviors, extreme unhealthy weight control behaviors, and past year binge eating.

RESULTS

Adolescents in the 28 identified groups with a high prevalence of disordered eating behavior held at least one structurally marginalized social position (e.g., high BMI), bias-based bullying experience, low self-esteem, or low LGBTQ pride in addition to being LGBTQ. Weight-based bullying was a salient risk-factor for disordered eating across social positions. Among adolescents with the same social positions, levels of self-esteem, LGBTQ pride, but no bias-based bullying experience, prevalence estimates of disordered eating were, on average, 23% lower.

DISCUSSION

LGBTQ adolescents with multiple marginalized social positions and related factors engage in disproportionately high prevalence disordered eating. Findings underscore the importance of addressing intersecting experiences of stigma to reduce disordered eating and promote health equity among adolescents.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Multiply marginalized LGBTQ adolescents, most of whom also reported experiencing bias-based bullying from peers at school, reported disproportionately high prevalence disordered eating. In comparison groups of adolescents with no bias-based bullying experience, prevalence of disordered eating was, on average, 24% lower. Findings underscore the importance of addressing intersecting experiences of stigma to reduce disordered eating and promote health equity among adolescents.

Intersecting gender identity and racial/ethnic inequities in eating disorder risk factors, symptoms, and diagnosis among U.S. college students: An intersectional multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy

INTRODUCTION

There are documented inequities in eating disorders (EDs) by gender and race/ethnicity, yet, little is known about population-level prevalence of ED risk factors, symptoms, and diagnosis at the intersection of diverse gender and racial/ethnic identities.

METHODS

Data from the Healthy Minds Study 2015-2019 (N = 251,310 U.S. university students) were used in a multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA). Participants were nested in 35 intersectional strata given by all combinations of 5 gender and 7 racial/ethnic categories. Multilevel logistic models with participants at level 1 and intersectional strata at level 2 were used to estimate stratum-specific predicted prevalence estimates for self-reported thin-ideal internalization, ED symptoms, and ED diagnosis. The variance partition coefficient (VPC) was calculated to quantify the contextual effect of the strata.

RESULTS

There was considerable heterogeneity in the predicted prevalence of our ED outcomes across the strata (e.g., .3%-18.3% for ED diagnoses). There were large disparities in all three outcomes, with transgender participants of color having a higher predicted prevalence than expected based on the additive effects of gender and race/ethnicity. Moderation by race/ethnicity was also apparent, such that racial/ethnic disparities were wider within the cisgender groups relative to the transgender groups. VPCs indicated that ~10% of the total variance in ED outcomes was due to intersectionality between gender and race/ethnicity, over and above variance due to individual-level differences.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that gender and racial/ethnic disparities in EDs are interrelated, underscoring the need to develop preventive interventions centering health equity.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Despite evidence that sexism, racism, and cissexism (i.e., anti-transgender prejudice) can impact EDs risk, little research examines the social patterning of EDs at the intersection of diverse gender and racial/ethnic identities. Using data from a sample of 250,000 U.S. university students, this study found that gender and racial/ethnic disparities in eating disorder risk are interrelated, highlighting the need to develop health equity centered preventive interventions.

Gender-Affirming Nutrition: An Overview of Eating Disorders in the Transgender Population

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Transgender individuals are vulnerable to many nutrition-related conditions, especially eating disorders due to gender dysphoria. This review aims to summarize the current literature on eating disorders in transgender individuals. The issues that should be considered in nutrition care for the transgender population are discussed regarding public health.

RECENT FINDINGS

Transgender individuals can exhibit disordered eating behaviors to overcome the stress they experience due to stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, and abuse. Recent studies showed that disordered eating and clinical eating disorders are more prevalent among transgender than cisgender people. It is very important for a multidisciplinary team working in the clinic to understand the epidemiology, etiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of eating disorders in the transgender population. However, multidisciplinary nutritional care is limited due to the lack of transgender-specific nutrition guidelines. It is safe to say that adhering to a generally healthy nutritional pattern and using standardized nutrition guidelines. We recommend that health professionals working with patients/clients with eating disorders receive continuing education in transgender health, be empowering and inclusive, address patients/clients with their gender identity nouns and pronouns, and develop nutritional treatment plans that are not gender-specific. Eating disorders are a significant public health problem in the transgender population. Therefore, clinical screening and early intervention are necessary to identify and treat eating disorders in transgender people. Eating disorders in the transgender population should be monitored routinely, and gender-affirming care should be provided as well as treatment of eating disorders.

Eating disorders in transgender and gender diverse people: characteristics, assessment, and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes recent research on eating disorders among gender minorities, transgender and gender diverse people. The focus is on research published in 2022 and the first half of 2023.

RECENT FINDINGS

Up to 1.2% of young people and 0.3-0.5% of adults identify as transgender, and 2.7-8.4% of young people and 0.3-4.5% of adults report some degree of gender diversity. About 20-50% of transgender and gender diverse people report engaging in disordered eating and >30% screen positive for eating disorder symptoms, and 2-12% have received an eating disorder diagnosis from a health professional. Many transgender and gender diverse people describe eating disorder symptoms as a way of coping with gender dysphoria. They also report high levels of mental and behavioral symptoms, particularly mood and anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, trauma-related symptoms and disorders, alcohol and substance use, and autism. Gender minorities frequently experience discrimination, victimization, and violence, primarily sexual and physical violence. The minority stress model attributes mental health symptoms to these factors. Promising interventions based on the minority stress model have recently become available, but more research is needed on how to support transgender and gender diverse people with eating disorders. To manage eating disorders in this population, gender-affirming care should be combined with specialist eating disorder treatment.

SUMMARY

Gender minorities are at high risk for eating disorders. Future studies should assess what is the most appropriate treatment for transgender and gender diverse people with eating disorders.

A scoping review of research literature on eating and body image for transgender and nonbinary youth

BACKGROUND

Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adolescents and young adults are underrepresented in the literature on eating disorders and body image-related problems, despite increased mental health disparities and emerging research showing high associations between gender dysphoria, body image, and eating disorders among TGNB youth.

AIMS

The scoping review was designed to critically examine the research on TGNB adolescents and young adults who experience eating and body image related problems as well as clinical studies on treatment approaches and effectiveness.

METHOD

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used for reporting this scoping review. The electronic databases of MEDLINE and PsychInfo were used for searching subject terms. Inclusion criteria for studies required the quantitative measurement or qualitative exploration of body image or eating for transgender minor children, adolescents, or young adult samples (18 to 25 years old) and address differences in eating/body-related problems by age. The relevant data was extracted and narratively summarized.

RESULTS

49 studies were identified, data extracted, and analyzed. Increased prevalence of eating disorders and body image problems were identified for TGNB youth. Body-gender congruence through gender affirming social and medical interventions (e.g., hormone therapy) were noted as significant for alleviating body image problems and facilitating eating disorder treatment. Family and social factors were not well understood in the literature and a need for increased study of TGNB youth from varied racial/ethnic, neurodiverse, and within specific identities (e.g., nonbinary) and families and cultural contexts is still needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should consider the use of developmental and family theories for guiding inclusion of salient social factors influencing eating patterns, body image, and treatment outcomes. In addition, more studies are needed with those from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, neurodiversity, and varied gender identities (e.g., nonbinary and gender queer) for identifying important differences.

A Longitudinal Study on Disordered Eating in Transgender and Nonbinary Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

We longitudinally explored frequency of disordered eating among transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adolescents and explored trends by gender identity and gender-affirming care.

METHODS

Participants completed an abbreviated version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after establishing care in a gender clinic. We analyzed descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 91 TGNB adolescent participants, 61% were transmasculine, 30% transfeminine, and 7% nonbinary/gender-fluid. Among TGNB adolescents, disordered eating thoughts/behaviors were frequently endorsed with 26% of participants engaging in any occurrence of binge eating, 27% limiting the amount of food they ate, and 30% excluding foods from their diet. Forty percent of participants reported any occurrence of at least 1 disordered eating behavior and 17% at least 3 behaviors. Abbreviated EDE-Q responses did not differ significantly by sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender-affirming medications, or time spent receiving gender-affirming care. There was a significant effect of age (P value = .003) on abbreviated EDE-Q scores.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant changes in disordered eating after initiating gender-affirming medical care, possibly due to the limited study time frame of 12 months. Given the high prevalence of disordered eating behaviors, clinicians should consider screening all TGNB adolescents for disordered eating thoughts/behaviors throughout gender-affirming care. Future longitudinal research should recruit larger samples with a diverse range of gender identities and survey disordered eating thoughts/behaviors at least one year after starting gender-affirming medications.

Eating disorder symptomatology among transgender individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the literature on eating disorders and eating disorder symptomatology among transgender individuals and to summarize the existing literature on gender-affirming treatment and the prevalence of eating disorder symptomatology.

METHOD

The literature search for this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in PubMed, Embase.com, and Ovid APA PsycInfo. We searched for "eating disorders" and "transgender" using both controlled vocabularies and natural language terms for their synonyms. The PRISMA statement guidelines were followed. Quantitative data from studies on transgender individuals and eating disorders assessed with relevant assessment tools was included.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies were included for the qualitative synthesis, and 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results revealed higher levels of eating disorder symptomatology among transgender individuals compared with cisgender individuals, especially cisgender men. Transgender men tend to display higher levels of eating disorder symptomatology than transgender women; however, transgender women seem to have higher levels of eating disorder symptomatology than cisgender men and, interestingly, this study also noted a trend toward transgender men having higher levels of eating disorders than cisgender women. Gender-affirming treatment seems to alleviate the presence of eating disorder symptomatology in transgender individuals.

DISCUSSION

The body of research on this subject is extremely limited, and transgender individuals are underrepresented in the eating disorder literature. More research investigating eating disorders and eating disorder symptomatology in transgender individuals and the relationship between gender-affirming treatment and eating disorder symptomatology is needed.

Disordered eating and considerations for the transgender community: a review of the literature and clinical guidance for assessment and treatment

BACKGROUND

It has been well established that individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer are at increased risk for mental health pathology, including eating disorders/disordered eating behaviors (ED/DEB). However, less is understood about the unique experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people who struggle with ED/DEB.

AIMS

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the literature regarding the unique risk factors for TGD individuals who experience ED/DEB through a lens informed by the minority stress model. Additionally, guidance around the assessment and clinical management of eating disorders for TGD individuals will be presented.

RESULTS

TGD people are at increased risk for developing ED/DEB due to a number of factors including: gender dysphoria, minority stress, the desire to pass, and barriers to gender affirming care.

CONCLUSION

While guidance around assessment and treatment of ED/DEB for TGD individuals is still limited, adhering to a gender affirmative care model is essential.

Eating Disorder Screening and Treatment in a Medically Underserved Southern State: Data Collected by a Legislative Eating Disorder Council and Implications for Statewide Assessment

Healthcare providers play a key role in early identification of eating disorders (EDs), especially in underserved states where ED treatment resources are lacking. Currently, there is little known about ED screening and treatment practices in underserved states. The current study assessed current ED screening and treatment practices among healthcare providers in an underserved state using data collected by a government-formed state ED council. Healthcare providers (N = 242; n = 209 behavioral health providers; n = 33 medical providers) practicing in Kentucky completed a brief, anonymous survey on ED screening and treatment practices, comfort with screening for EDs, and interest in continued education. Over half of healthcare providers indicated screening for EDs, with the majority using a clinical interview. After identification of ED symptoms, providers reported a combination of treating in-house, referring out, or seeking consultation. In bivariate analyses, medical providers were significantly more likely than behavioral health providers to use a screening tool specifically designed for EDs. The majority of medical providers indicated that they received education about EDs and feel knowledgeable about ED screening tools, though most reported infrequent use of these screening tools in their practice. Nearly all behavioral health and medical providers expressed interest in continuing education on ED screening and treatment. These findings indicate a need for, and interest in, education on evidence-based ED screening and treatment resources in underserved states and demonstrate the utility of a state ED council to collect these data to inform future education and treatment strategies.

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

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.

Comparing eating disorder treatment outcomes of transgender and nonbinary individuals with cisgender individuals

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare symptom severity of eating disorders (EDs), depression and anxiety at admission and discharge for transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals and cisgender adult individuals receiving treatment for EDs at higher levels of care (HLOC), adding to the limited research in this area.

METHOD

Participants were 25 TNB individuals and 376 cisgender individuals admitted to a HLOC ED treatment facility. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Beck Anxiety Inventory at admission and discharge.

RESULTS

TNB individuals showed significant improvements on EDE-Q global scores between admission and discharge (Cohen's d = 1.27), and showed similar improvements on the EDE-Q over the course of treatment (Cohen's d = 0.06) when compared to cisgender individuals. TNB individuals had more severe depression at admission (Cohen's d = 0.61). Although depression improved over the course of treatment for both groups, TNB individuals showed less improvement (Cohen's d = 0.59). Suicidality was higher for TNB individuals on admission and discharge and did not improve significantly over the course of treatment (Cohen's d = 0.38).

DISCUSSION

This study provides preliminary evidence that TNB and cisgender individuals show similar improvement in ED symptoms during HLOC treatment. However, TNB individuals have more severe depression and less improvement in depression compared to cisgender individuals, without improvement in suicidality. TNB individuals may benefit from care targeting depression and suicidality during ED treatment.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

TNB individuals have increased risk of EDs. Little research addresses how TNB individuals respond to ED treatment, which was traditionally created for cisgender individuals. We present one of the first studies examining ED treatment outcomes for TNB adults. TNB individuals showed improved ED symptoms with treatment, but less improvement in depression and their suicidality remained elevated. This suggests the need for targeted treatment.

Prevention of eating disorders: 2021 in review

This review of 19 prevention-related publications in Eating Disorders during 2021 is framed by four models: (1) Mental Health Intervention Spectrum: health promotion → types of prevention → case identification/referral → treatment; (2) the prevention cycle: rationale and theory, shaped by critical reviews → clarifying risk and protective factors → program innovation and feasibility studies → efficacy and effectiveness research → program dissemination; (3) links between disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (EDs); and (4) Kraemer and Jacobi's criteria for variable, causal risk factors (RFs). Twelve articles demonstrated the strengths and limitations of cross-sectional investigations of RFs for DE and EDs: five explored the role of trauma in activating genetic and psychological RFs (e.g., anxiety and experiential avoidance), while five suggest other variables meriting further evaluation: ergogenic supplement use, "feeling fat," internalized weight bias, food insecurity, and compulsive exercising. One article presents a pilot program that reduced risk factors in a high-risk group: professional ballerinas. Implications of the absence of efficacy, effectiveness, dissemination, and advocacy studies, along with the need to develop tailored programs for various high-risk groups, are discussed.

A Plea for Diversity in Eating Disorders Research

Eating disorders (EDs) are often stereotyped as affecting the SWAG, that is, as affecting mostly skinny, White, affluent girls. Over the last decade, however, significant progress has been made toward increasing diversity in ED research. There is consensus that EDs affect individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, with recent studies exploring social determinants of ED etiology, ED presentation, and developing diversity-affirming ED assessments. This article provides a brief summary of current developments related to diversity as a research theme, and proposes different perspectives toward further improving diversity in ED research. Specifically, we argue for exploring the role of diversity in ED treatment settings and outcomes, for pursuing diversity-oriented research pro-actively rather than as a reaction to issues of under-representation, and for integrating diversity across different areas of medical education and trainings in psychotherapy. Limitations with respect to the paucity of research, and the link between diversity as a research theme and ED-related workforce diversity are discussed.

Introducing Dietary Self-Monitoring to Undergraduate Women via a Calorie Counting App Has No Effect on Mental Health or Health Behaviors: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Strong positive relationships between dietary self-monitoring and eating disorder risk are seen in population-based, observational studies. However, current evidence cannot establish causality. Furthermore, little is known about other mental and behavioral health consequences of dietary self-monitoring among college women, a population vulnerable to eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if introducing dietary self-monitoring via a popular smartphone app to undergraduate women impacts eating disorder risk, other aspects of mental health, or health behaviors including dietary intake and physical activity.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Undergraduate women who had not engaged in dietary self-monitoring in the past year and who were at low-risk for an eating disorder participated between May and October 2019 (n = 200).

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomly assigned to engage in dietary self-monitoring via MyFitnessPal for approximately 1 month or to receive no intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-report data on eating disorder risk, other mental health outcomes, and health behaviors were collected at baseline and post-intervention.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Linear and logistic regressions were utilized to test hypotheses.

RESULTS

Adherence to the intervention was high, with participants recording their dietary intake via MyFitnessPal on average 89.1% of days between baseline and post-intervention. Assignment to the intervention was not associated with changes in eating disorder risk, anxiety, depressive symptoms, body satisfaction, quality of life, nutritional intake, physical activity, screen time, or other forms of weight-related self-monitoring (all P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among dietary self-monitoring naive undergraduate women with low-risk of an eating disorder, dietary self-monitoring via MyFitnessPal for 1 month did not increase eating disorder risk, impact other aspects of mental health, or alter health behaviors including dietary intake. The null results in our study may be due to the selection of a low-risk sample; future research should explore whether there are populations for whom dietary self-monitoring is contraindicated.