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Health Consequences of Familial Negative Weight Talk Across the Spectrum of Gender Diversity

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To synthesize differences in familial negative weight talk and health-related correlates across gender identities and to highlight gaps relevant to the unique experiences and health correlates of boys and transgender and gender diverse youth.

Recent Findings

Most of the studies included in this review observed no difference by gender in familial negative weight talk health correlates. Gender biases in existing measures, however, may have contributed to underreporting of health correlates in boys. Moreover, transgender and gender diverse youth are severely underrepresented in this research.

Summary

Future research should consistently examine effect modification across gender identities and include measures that are specific to the weight-based concerns and experiences of boys and transgender and gender diverse youth.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Rebecca Puhl, Ph.D., for her feedback on this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA

    Katherine M. Rancaño

  2. School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA

    Samantha E. Lawrence

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Correspondence to Katherine M. Rancaño.

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Dr. Rancaño received funding from the National Institute of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (F31DK126399) and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University outside of the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

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Rancaño, K.M., Lawrence, S.E. Health Consequences of Familial Negative Weight Talk Across the Spectrum of Gender Diversity. Curr Nutr Rep 12, 581–593 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-023-00501-z

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