Affiliation:
1. Department of Paediatrics University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
2. Division of Endocrinology The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto Ontario Canada
3. Department of Psychology The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto Ontario Canada
4. Division of Adolescent Medicine The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto Ontario Canada
5. Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
Abstract
SummaryGender dysphoria (GD) and obesity share commonalities, including associations with mental health comorbidities, disordered eating, body dissatisfaction and may intensify with physical and developmental changes during adolescence. While associations of obesity and gender diversity have been identified, rates of gender diversity among adolescents with obesity remain unclear. The aim was to examine gender diversity among adolescents with obesity in a weight management programme. A single‐centre cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted. Eligible adolescents received the Gender Identity/GD Questionnaire for Adolescents and Adults (GIDYQ‐AA), a validated instrument measuring gender diversity and GD. Gender identities, sexual orientations, questionnaire scores, and frequency of GD (GIDYQ‐AA score <3) were determined. The relationship of GIDYQ‐AA scores and BMI Z‐score (BMIz) was assessed. Of 72 consenting youth, 29 assigned females (AF) and 17 assigned males (AM) completed GIDYQ‐AA and demographic questions. Seventeen (59%) AF reported non‐heterosexual orientations, and 6 (21%) reported non‐cisgender identities. One (6%) AM reported non‐cisgender identity. Two (4%) AF individuals had GD based on GIDYQ‐AA scores. GIDYQ‐AA scores did not correlate with BMIz. In conclusion, adolescents with obesity, particularly AF with non‐heterosexual orientation, reported high rates of non‐cisgender identity and GD. Routine screening for gender‐related concerns in weight management settings may be warranted.