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Eating disorders and transgender

Cohort studies and clinical reports indicate a higher prevalence of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder) in transgender young people than in the general population.

What is known

Cohort studies and clinical reports indicate a higher prevalence of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder) in transgender young people than in the general population. Bodily dysphoria and the wish to influence secondary sex characteristics can play a role.

Clinical implications

Eating disorders require specific treatment. When eating disorders and gender dysphoria co-occur, the international recommendation is to diagnose both disorders carefully and treat them in a considered order. Acute medical instability from an eating disorder can be a reason to postpone hormone treatment.