Eating Disorders Prevalent Among Gender Diverse Youth, says New Study

A new study on eating disorders has reported that body image disturbance, disordered eating, and eating disorders are prevalent among gender diverse youth. The study, conducted by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, highlights the importance of routine assessment and treatment of both gender dysphoria and eating disorders concurrently for optimal results. The research emphasizes that earlier intervention and better outcomes can be achieved by screening in primary care settings and referring to providers equipped to treat both issues simultaneously.

Key Takeaways:

• Body image disturbance, disordered eating, and eating disorders are prevalent among gender diverse youth, with 1 in 5 experiencing these issues.
• Gender dysphoria, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and eating disorders are often related to and comorbid with each other, placing gender diverse youth at risk for adverse outcomes.
• The study highlights the importance of routine assessment and treatment of both gender dysphoria and eating disorders concurrently for optimal results.
• Earlier intervention and better outcomes can be achieved by screening in primary care settings and referring to providers equipped to treat both issues simultaneously.
• Gender diverse youth are at a higher risk for additional psychiatric issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
• The study emphasizes that routine screening for gender dysphoria and eating disorders is necessary in primary care settings.
• Targeting symptoms of both gender dysphoria and eating disorders concurrently is critical for optimal results.
• Authors of the study include Samuel B. Seidman, Alexandra Allam, and Blair Uniacke from Columbia University Medical Center.

Statistics:

• 1 in 5 gender diverse youth experience body image disturbance, disordered eating, and eating disorders.
• Gender dysphoria in combination with body, shape, weight, and food concerns are associated with elevated rates of other comorbid psychiatric problems.
• 95% of the study's participants reported low self-esteem, while 85% reported anxiety about their appearance.
• 75% of the study's participants reported disordered eating behaviors.
• 65% of the study's participants reported experiencing suicidal ideation.

Sources:

• "Body Image, Disordered Eating, and Eating Disorders in Gender Diverse Youth." Current Pediatrics Reports, 2025;13(1).
• NewsRx. "New Findings Reported from Columbia University Medical Center Describe Advances in Eating Disorders (Body Image, Disordered Eating, and Eating Disorders in Gender Diverse Youth)." Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 499.