Feeding Dysphoria: Gender, Body, and Nutritional Neglect among Transgender Youth in India

Abstract (English)

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth demonstrate a prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEB) that exceeds four times that of their cisgender peers; however, these vulnerabilities remain largely undocumented in the Indian context. This research investigates the connections among gender dysphoria, nutritional neglect, and body modification practices in transgender and gender-diverse youth in India, employing a psycho-anthropological and intersectional framework rooted in social sciences.

This research relies on ongoing qualitative fieldwork, encompassing a forthcoming visit to Delhi to engage with grassroots LGBTQIA+ communities and support organisations. The study will include 30–50 detailed interviews with TGD individuals aged 18–30 from urban and semi-urban areas in India and key informant interviews with NGO staff and gender health advocates. Early results indicate that food plays a role in both resisting and controlling situations, as TGD youth often manage their hormones, change their diets, and follow exercise routines to meet gender expectations, often without guidance from medical professionals.

This paper introduces the concept of "feeding dysphoria," which clarifies the impact of gender identity, psychosocial stress, stigma, and systemic exclusion from healthcare on eating behaviours. This framework demonstrates that nutritional neglect among TGD youth in India represents both a personal and political concern. This research supports the implementation of culturally responsive interventions that integrate food justice, gender-affirming care, and mental health within comprehensive frameworks for global health equity.