About this Research Topic
Sex and gender are separate health determinants with implications for food and nutrition behaviors, yet have historically been conflated or omitted. A sex- and gender-informed approach to nutrition research has particular relevance to the transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC), where sex and gender identity differ. Nutrition-related considerations for the TGNC population are both clinical and psychosocial in nature. Those undergoing masculinizing or feminizing hormone therapy may experience changes in nutrition-relevant parameters, such as body weight and composition, body fat distribution, lipid levels, and bone mineral density, among others. Regardless of transitioning medically, the transgender population is also disproportionately impacted by psychosocial disparities such as eating disorders, food insecurity, and weight-based victimization. Further research is needed to understand dietary patterns among TGNC populations, nutritional strategies to promote the health and well-being of TGNC patients, and guidance for nutrition professionals working with TGNC clients.
The nutrition and eating behaviors of TGNC populations are poorly captured in most national nutrition surveillance programs due to inadequate sex and gender identity data collection. As a result, nutrition research on TGNC populations is lacking. A robust body of research is needed to inform clinical practice, nutrition policies, and future research directions. Therefore, the goal of this Research Topic is to accelerate research on the nutrition and eating behaviors in the TGNC population.
This Research Topic will center on the nutrition and eating behaviors in the TGNC population. Specific themes of interest include:
1) Epidemiology of eating behaviors among transgender and gender nonconforming populations.
2) Dietary guidelines for people undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgeries.
3) Nutritional strategies for the promotion of wellbeing among transgender and gender nonconforming communities.
4) The experiences of TGNC populations receiving nutrition services using qualitative or mixed methods approaches.
5) Nutrition-related priorities from the perspectives of TGNC populations.
6) The impact of nutrition-related policies on food access and food security among TGNC populations.
7) The preparedness of nutrition professionals and nutrition students to care for TGNC patients.
8) Patterns of food consumption and their impact on the health and environment of TGNC populations.
9) The impact of stigma on food insecurity and vulnerability to extreme climate events.
The nutrition and eating behaviors of TGNC populations are poorly captured in most national nutrition surveillance programs due to inadequate sex and gender identity data collection. As a result, nutrition research on TGNC populations is lacking. A robust body of research is needed to inform clinical practice, nutrition policies, and future research directions. Therefore, the goal of this Research Topic is to accelerate research on the nutrition and eating behaviors in the TGNC population.
This Research Topic will center on the nutrition and eating behaviors in the TGNC population. Specific themes of interest include:
1) Epidemiology of eating behaviors among transgender and gender nonconforming populations.
2) Dietary guidelines for people undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgeries.
3) Nutritional strategies for the promotion of wellbeing among transgender and gender nonconforming communities.
4) The experiences of TGNC populations receiving nutrition services using qualitative or mixed methods approaches.
5) Nutrition-related priorities from the perspectives of TGNC populations.
6) The impact of nutrition-related policies on food access and food security among TGNC populations.
7) The preparedness of nutrition professionals and nutrition students to care for TGNC patients.
8) Patterns of food consumption and their impact on the health and environment of TGNC populations.
9) The impact of stigma on food insecurity and vulnerability to extreme climate events.
Keywords: Transgender Health, Gender, Gender Diversity, Sex, Eating Behaviors
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
