Disordered eating in transgender and gender non-conforming youth: A comparison to community-based and clinical samples.

Abstract

This study investigates eating pathology in transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth compared to a community-based sample and individuals with eating disorders (EDs). Participants (ages 13-21years) included TGNC youth from a paediatric gender clinic (N=97), a demographically matched community-based sample of cisgender males (N=97) and cisgender females (N=97), and treatment-seeking patients with EDs (N=112). The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was used to assess ED cognitions and behaviours. Transgender and gender non-conforming participants reported significantly higher EDE-Q global scores compared to the cisgender samples, but significantly lower than the ED sample. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals reported a higher likelihood of objective binge episodes (OBEs) than the cisgender groups, albeit lower than youth with EDs. A substantial proportion of TGNC participants scored in elevated ranges on the EDE-Q global score (35%≥score of 3, 17%≥score of 4), significantly higher than cisgender males (0%≥score of 3, 0%≥score of 4) and females (9%≥score of 3, 3%≥score of 4). Findings indicate that TGNC youth exhibit increased ED cognitions and OBEs compared to cisgender samples, highlighting the need for screening and addressing ED symptoms in this population.