Nutrition Education Classes for Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults Undergoing Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Curriculum Development Project
Roberts, Davis
Citations
Abstract
The transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community is an underrepresented population in healthcare practice and research. Very little research has been done on nutrition education and health outcomes for TGD patients. TGD patients are more at risk for health inequality and disordered eating behaviors than their cisgender peers. Many TGD patients utilize gender affirming hormone therapies (GAHT) to relieve gender dysphoria. While GAHT is recognized as safe under medical supervision, there is some evidence that it may increase risk for metabolic syndrome and its associated complications. These include cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this project is to develop nutrition education classes which address nutritional concerns unique to the TGD community. Curriculum consists of three courses: course one covering basics of nutrition, course two covering body image and physical activity, and course three covering nutrition and disease risk. The implementation of this project at a large safety-net hospital in Atlanta, GA will directly serve the TGD community by providing a space for health education and community formation. It will also provide a foundation for future research on nutrition education efficacy for this community.
