Presenter Status
Resident/Psychology Intern
Abstract Type
Research
Primary Mentor
Anna M. Egan, Ph.D., ABPP
Start Date
14-5-2021 11:30 AM
End Date
14-5-2021 1:30 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Description
Background: Studies of transgender/gender diverse (TGD) youth indicate a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and concern for unhealthy weight control behavior.
Objectives/Goal: Describe BMI and the association of medication use, well-being, and recreational activities in treatmentnaïve pediatric TGD patients.
Methods/Design: Chart review of 302 patients (age 3-19, 73.5% sex assigned at birth (SAB) female; 85.8% white) from 2017-20. BMI was calculated by age and SAB using CDC growth charts. Parents reported medication use. Parent and self-reported Pediatric Quality of Life (PEDS-QL) Well-Being and activities were surveyed electronically.
Results: By BMI category, 3.3% were underweight (BMI85% and 29.5% fell >95%. Overweight and obesity rates were higher than national norms (31.2% >85%; X2 =45.92, p95%; X2 =37.11, p< .01). BMI Z-scores varied by SAB (Female M=0.91, SD=1.18; Male .54, 1.32; F(1, 300)=5.2, p85% (M=1.49, .89, t=2, p85% (M=1.38,.79, t=3.63, p85%.
Conclusions: Obesity is a common problem among TGD youth presenting for gender affirming care. Female SAB, lower well-being, involvement in sedentary recreational activities, and taking medications to treat gastrointestinal, endocrinologic, or psychiatric conditions were associated with elevated BMI. Spending time with family and friends was protective. Providers should address high BMI. TGD youth should be encouraged to decrease sedentary activities and improve connection with friends and family.
MeSH Keywords
Transgender; Obesity; Overweight; Quality of Life
Additional Files
BMI and Associated Variables in A Pediatric Gender Clinic Sample.pdf (154 kB)Abstract
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Pediatrics Commons
BMI and Associated Variables in A Pediatric Gender Clinic Sample
Background: Studies of transgender/gender diverse (TGD) youth indicate a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and concern for unhealthy weight control behavior.
Objectives/Goal: Describe BMI and the association of medication use, well-being, and recreational activities in treatmentnaïve pediatric TGD patients.
Methods/Design: Chart review of 302 patients (age 3-19, 73.5% sex assigned at birth (SAB) female; 85.8% white) from 2017-20. BMI was calculated by age and SAB using CDC growth charts. Parents reported medication use. Parent and self-reported Pediatric Quality of Life (PEDS-QL) Well-Being and activities were surveyed electronically.
Results: By BMI category, 3.3% were underweight (BMI85% and 29.5% fell >95%. Overweight and obesity rates were higher than national norms (31.2% >85%; X2 =45.92, p95%; X2 =37.11, p< .01). BMI Z-scores varied by SAB (Female M=0.91, SD=1.18; Male .54, 1.32; F(1, 300)=5.2, p85% (M=1.49, .89, t=2, p85% (M=1.38,.79, t=3.63, p85%.
Conclusions: Obesity is a common problem among TGD youth presenting for gender affirming care. Female SAB, lower well-being, involvement in sedentary recreational activities, and taking medications to treat gastrointestinal, endocrinologic, or psychiatric conditions were associated with elevated BMI. Spending time with family and friends was protective. Providers should address high BMI. TGD youth should be encouraged to decrease sedentary activities and improve connection with friends and family.
