Nutrients, Vol. 17, Pages 3276: Inclusive Nutrition Care for LGBT+ Patients: Challenges and Opportunities for Dietitians—A Narrative Review
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu17203276
Authors:
Michał Czapla
Anthony Dissen
Nutrition is a cornerstone of public health, yet the unique nutrition needs and considerations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and others (LGBT+) communities remain largely invisible in the field of dietetics. These populations face disproportionate burdens of obesity, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, metabolic risks, and food insecurity, often driven by stigma, minority stress, and structural inequities. This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence on nutrition-related disparities among LGBT+ populations and identify opportunities for dietitians to advance equity in care. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies addressing diet quality, obesity, eating disorders, food insecurity, and metabolic health in sexual and gender minorities. Evidence indicates clear subgroup differences: lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to experience obesity and food insecurity; gay and bisexual men report lower BMI but greater body image concerns and disordered eating; transgender individuals face nutritional challenges linked to gender-affirming therapy and high rates of food insecurity; and people living with HIV encounter additional metabolic risks associated with treatment. Despite these findings, LGBT+ health remains rarely reflected in dietary guidelines or professional training. Embedding inclusivity into dietetic education and clinical encounters, adopting culturally competent and structurally aware practices, and tailoring interventions to subgroup-specific needs are key priorities. Inclusive, equity-driven, and person-centered nutrition care is essential to closing health gaps for LGBT+ populations and ensuring that every patient receives guidance that affirms their identity and lived experience.
Nutrition is a cornerstone of public health, yet the unique nutrition needs and considerations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and others (LGBT+) communities remain largely invisible in the field of dietetics. These populations face disproportionate burdens of obesity, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, metabolic risks, and food insecurity, often driven by stigma, minority stress, and structural inequities. This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence on nutrition-related disparities among LGBT+ populations and identify opportunities for dietitians to advance equity in care. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies addressing diet quality, obesity, eating disorders, food insecurity, and metabolic health in sexual and gender minorities. Evidence indicates clear subgroup differences: lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to experience obesity and food insecurity; gay and bisexual men report lower BMI but greater body image concerns and disordered eating; transgender individuals face nutritional challenges linked to gender-affirming therapy and high rates of food insecurity; and people living with HIV encounter additional metabolic risks associated with treatment. Despite these findings, LGBT+ health remains rarely reflected in dietary guidelines or professional training. Embedding inclusivity into dietetic education and clinical encounters, adopting culturally competent and structurally aware practices, and tailoring interventions to subgroup-specific needs are key priorities. Inclusive, equity-driven, and person-centered nutrition care is essential to closing health gaps for LGBT+ populations and ensuring that every patient receives guidance that affirms their identity and lived experience. Read More