Relationship between Food Habits, Nutritional Status, and Hormone Therapy among Transgender Adults: A Systematic Review.

BMI was the most referenced nutritional parameter in transgender adults undergoing hormone therapy, with values ranging from low weight to overweight.

• 27 studies were included in the systematic review with a combined total of 8827 participants
• Studies comprised sixteen cohorts, seven cross-sectional, and four case studies
• BMI was described as varying 'between low weight and overweight' across studies
• Five databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and Cochrane Library from inception to May 2024

High food insecurity frequency was observed among transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy.

• Food insecurity was identified as a notable characteristic of the nutritional status of the transgender population
• This finding was noted across the 27 included studies covering 8827 participants
• Food insecurity was reported alongside other dietary patterns including restricted eating behaviors

Transgender adults undergoing hormone therapy demonstrated restricted eating behaviors and unfavorable dietary patterns.

• Restricted eating behaviors were identified as a common characteristic in the reviewed studies
• High fat intake was observed in this population
• Low levels of vegetable, grain, and fruit consumption were documented
• These dietary patterns were identified across the 27 included studies with 8827 combined participants

The relationship between hormone therapy and both nutritional status and food habits has been insufficiently explored in the existing literature.

• Of 122 studies identified, only 27 met inclusion criteria focusing on adult transgender individuals aged 18 to 65 years
• Included studies had to contain outcomes related to nutritional status, hormone therapy, and food habits
• The authors conclude that this relationship 'warrants further research'
• Current gender-specific nutritional assessment methods 'may not cover the unique physiological characteristics of the gender transition process'

Eating disorders were identified as a relevant outcome area in the nutritional assessment of transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy.

• The systematic review specifically aimed to report on eating disorders in addition to nutritional status and food habits
• Eating disorders were included as part of the review's outcome criteria alongside nutritional status and hormone therapy
• The PRISMA 2020 statement was used for reporting, and the NOS and NIH tools were used for risk of bias and quality assessment