Eating disorders can have severe psychological and somatic consequences, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. Research has found an increased prevalence of eating disorders and eating disorder symptomatology among transgender and gender-diverse individuals relative to cisgender individuals. However, the research is sparse, and there is limited knowledge about how many transgender and gender- diverse individuals receive treatment for eating disorders.

The aim of this research project was to investigate the prevalence of transgender and gender-diverse identities among patients with eating disorders as well as eating disorder symptomatology among transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

The research project comprised two studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis and a cross-sectional study based on a national survey. The survey was distributed to all adults in Denmark who had active contact with a hospital-based eating disorder treatment facility and a gender identity centre.

The results from both studies reflected a higher prevalence of eating disorder symptomatology among transgender and gender-diverse individuals compared to a comparison group. No significant difference was found regarding the prevalence of transgender and gender- diverse individuals between individuals with eating disorders and a comparison group.

This project shed light on the disproportionately high levels of eating disorder symptomatology among transgender and gender-diverse individuals. However, despite these concerningly high rates, this was not reflected by the number of transgender and gender-diverse individuals in treatment for eating disorders. Thus, it is important to keep focusing on the increased risk of eating disorders in this population, as it seems there is an unmet treatment need.