ODP619 Trends in Obesity in Gender Diverse Adolescents in Northern Nevada

Abstract

Abstract Obesity in the pediatric population is increasing with 19.3% of adolescents having a body mass index (BMI) at or above 95th percentile. Childhood obesity impacts physical and psychological health, increasing the risk of developing various diseases. Studies show that prevalence of gender diverse (GD) adolescents is increasing and is estimated to be 7 per 1000 in the US. GD adolescents are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. GD adolescents who are diagnosed with obesity are at an increased risk for poor health outcomes. There is a lack of research regarding the prevalence of obesity and the impact of hormone therapy in GD adolescents. A retrospective chart review was conducted at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV. A total of 119 adolescents, aged 8-21, diagnosed with gender dysphoria prior to June 2021, were enrolled using ICD-10 codes. Patient demographics including age, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, BMI, and use of puberty blockers or hormone therapy were retrieved. Patients were categorized into two groups - no treatment and treatment with puberty blockers and/or testosterone. Average change in BMI was calculated. Fisher exact tests were conducted using SAS version 9.4. Nineteen of the 119 GD patients enrolled were classified as obese using age and sex appropriate BMI charts (15.9%). Thirteen participants were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and six were assigned male at birth (AMAB). Of these participants, 12 had no medical interventions and 7 were treated with puberty blockers and/or without testosterone. No participants received estrogen therapy. The average change in BMI was +1.84 (no treatment group) and + 3.70 (treatment group). The average change in BMI for AFAB participants was +2.24 and +3.16 for AMAB participants. Association of obesity with treatment compared to no treatment was not found to be statistically significant (p=0.4125). The prevalence of obesity in this population was similar to the prevalence of obesity in non-GD adolescents regionally. In Nevada, obesity in adolescents age 10-17 increased from 12.9% to 16% from 2018-2021. We expected to observe a higher prevalence of obesity in the adolescent GD population compared to the non-GD pediatric population. Additionally, we expected to see a greater increase in BMI in the group of GD patients receiving treatment. Although the results were not statistically significant, patients undergoing treatments did experience a greater average increase in BMI compared to those who had no medical intervention. The lack of statistical significance is likely due to having a small sample size. Further research is needed to observe obesity trends in adolescent GD populations, as well as the effects of hormone therapy on BMI. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.