Overweight and obesity in sexual and gender minority adolescents: A systematic review

Population data indicate that sexual and gender minority adolescents may be at increased risk for excess weight gain compared with cisgender, heterosexual youth. However, no studies, to our knowledge, have systematically reviewed the literature on weight disparities in this population nor explored risk for overweight and obesity by sexual and gender minority subgroup across studies. The current systematic review, therefore, identified 21 studies that assessed the relationship between sexual and gender minority status and weight among adolescents. Results indicated an overall greater prevalence of overweight and obesity among sexual and gender minority adolescents compared with cisgender, heterosexual youth. However, cisgender sexual minority males demonstrated lower or no added risk for overweight and obesity, whereas cisgender sexual minority females demonstrated greater risk for overweight and obesity. Findings were mixed among gender minority adolescents. This study highlights weight disparities in sexual and gender minority youth, although important subgroup differences exist. Additional research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms that may contribute to differential weight trajectories in this population and to develop tailored approaches for prevention and treatment.