How to Support Trans People with Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, mental health concerns, and suicide risk are rising among transgender individuals, making this a time-sensitive issue for clinicians. Gender-affirming care plays a crucial role in helping the trans community access mental health and medical support without stigma or shame.

Being transgender is not a mental illness. It doesn’t need to be fixed, changed, or debated about. What does need to change is the accessibility these individuals deserve to care for their physical and mental wellbeing.

Research shows transgender people experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide risk compared with cisgender populations. Much of this risk stems from discrimination, bullying, rejection, and other forms of social stress.

Eating Disorders Often Intersect with Gender Dysphoria

For some trans individuals, eating disorder behaviors can also intersect with gender dysphoria in complex ways. In certain cases, someone may attempt to change their body through restriction or weight manipulation to reduce dysphoria.

For example, a trans masculine person may restrict food in hopes of minimizing curves or stopping menstruation, while a trans feminine person may pursue extreme thinness to feel more aligned with societal expectations of femininity.

In some situations, what appears to be an eating disorder may also be connected to attempts to manage dysphoria, social safety, or identity.

An Important Takeaway for Clinical Providers

Providers: screening needs to work in both directions. Patients presenting with eating disorder symptoms should be asked about gender identity and dysphoria. Likewise, individuals seeking care for gender dysphoria should be screened for eating disorder behaviors.

Additionally, keep in mind that family support is not always guaranteed. In these cases, treatment may involve working with a patient’s “family of choice”—trusted friends or supportive adults who can help them through recovery.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Encouragingly, research shows that gender-affirming care can dramatically improve outcomes. When trans youth receive affirming treatment, their risk of suicide drops by nearly 70% [1]. Access to supportive families, peers, and healthcare environments can significantly reduce mental health risks.

Supporting transgender patients with eating disorders ultimately means creating spaces where they feel seen, respected, and safe enough to heal.

Find out how to support trans individuals with eating disorders at Eating Recovery Center.

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center is an international center for eating disorders and mood, anxiety and trauma-related disorders recovery providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and PTSD. We offer the full spectrum of treatment services adults, adolescents and children of all genders, including Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization and Outpatient programs. Utilizing a full continuum of care, we provide expert behavioral health and medical treatment for eating disorders and mood, anxiety and trauma-related disorders in an environment of compassion, collaboration, integrity, inclusivity, accountability and flexibility.

Sources

• Turban, J.L., King, D., Carswell, J.M., & Keuroghlian, A.S. (2020). Pubertal suppression for transgender youth and risk of suicidal ideation. Pediatrics, 145(2).