The field of nutrition and eating behaviors in the transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) population is an emerging area of research that addresses the unique health determinants associated with sex and gender. Historically, sex and gender have been conflated or omitted in nutrition research, leading to a lack of tailored dietary guidelines and interventions for TGNC individuals. This population faces both clinical and psychosocial challenges, particularly those undergoing hormone therapy, which can affect body weight, composition, lipid levels, and bone mineral density. Additionally, TGNC individuals are disproportionately affected by eating disorders, food insecurity, and weight-based victimization. Despite these significant issues, national nutrition surveillance programs often fail to capture adequate sex and gender identity data, resulting in a dearth of research. Addressing these gaps is crucial for informing clinical practice, nutrition policies, and future research directions.

This Research Topic aims to accelerate research on the nutrition and eating behaviors in the TGNC population. The main objectives include understanding dietary patterns among TGNC individuals, developing nutritional strategies to promote their health and well-being, and providing guidance for nutrition professionals working with TGNC clients. Specific questions to be answered include: What are the epidemiological trends in eating behaviors among TGNC populations? How can dietary guidelines be tailored for those undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgeries? What are the nutritional priorities from the perspectives of TGNC individuals?

To gather further insights into the nutrition and eating behaviors of TGNC populations, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Epidemiology of eating behaviors among transgender and gender nonconforming populations.
• Dietary guidelines for people undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgeries.
• Nutritional strategies for the promotion of well-being among transgender and gender nonconforming communities.
• The experiences of TGNC populations receiving nutrition services using qualitative or mixed methods approaches.
• Nutrition-related priorities from the perspectives of TGNC populations.
• The impact of nutrition-related policies on food access and food security among TGNC populations.
• The preparedness of nutrition professionals and nutrition students to care for TGNC patients.
• Patterns of food consumption and their impact on the health and environment of TGNC populations.
• The impact of stigma on food insecurity and vulnerability to extreme climate events.

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Frontiers in Nutrition

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