Faculty mentor/PI email address
heather.dixon@va.gov
Keywords
transgender, obesity, weight management, hormone therapy, bariatric surgery
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Title: Metabolic and Bariatric Outcomes in Transgender Patients Receiving Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Literature Review
Authors/Institutions: Emily Sarett, OMS-II1; Heather Dixon, PharmD2
Abstract:
Introduction: Obesity is a growing concern among transgender individuals, influenced by gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and social determinants of health. Bariatric surgery is effective, but metabolic outcomes and access to care remain understudied. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and StatPearls databases (2020–2025). Studies evaluating bariatric outcomes, pharmacologic therapies, and metabolic effects of GAHT were included. Following screening and deduplication, 22 studies were analyzed. Results: GAHT is associated with increased fat mass and altered metabolic profiles. Transgender patients achieve comparable weight loss to cisgender patients after bariatric surgery (~50% excess weight loss at 2 years), though surgery may delay gender-affirming procedures. BMI-based eligibility criteria may restrict access to care. Anti-obesity medications demonstrate effective weight loss and may improve surgical eligibility. Conclusions: Obesity management in transgender patients requires individualized, multidisciplinary, and gender-affirming care. Current guidelines remain limited, highlighting the need for inclusive research and patient-centered approaches. Acknowledgment: This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the Wilmington VA Medical Center.
Keywords: transgender; obesity; weight management; hormone therapy; bariatric surgery
1 Rowan University, Stratford, New Jersey, United States;
2 VA Medical Center Wilmington, Wilmington Delaware, United States
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Population Health
Included in
Metabolic and Bariatric Outcomes in Transgender Patients Receiving Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Literature Review
Title: Metabolic and Bariatric Outcomes in Transgender Patients Receiving Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy: A Literature Review
Authors/Institutions: Emily Sarett, OMS-II1; Heather Dixon, PharmD2
Abstract:
Introduction: Obesity is a growing concern among transgender individuals, influenced by gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and social determinants of health. Bariatric surgery is effective, but metabolic outcomes and access to care remain understudied. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and StatPearls databases (2020–2025). Studies evaluating bariatric outcomes, pharmacologic therapies, and metabolic effects of GAHT were included. Following screening and deduplication, 22 studies were analyzed. Results: GAHT is associated with increased fat mass and altered metabolic profiles. Transgender patients achieve comparable weight loss to cisgender patients after bariatric surgery (~50% excess weight loss at 2 years), though surgery may delay gender-affirming procedures. BMI-based eligibility criteria may restrict access to care. Anti-obesity medications demonstrate effective weight loss and may improve surgical eligibility. Conclusions: Obesity management in transgender patients requires individualized, multidisciplinary, and gender-affirming care. Current guidelines remain limited, highlighting the need for inclusive research and patient-centered approaches. Acknowledgment: This material is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the Wilmington VA Medical Center.
Keywords: transgender; obesity; weight management; hormone therapy; bariatric surgery
1 Rowan University, Stratford, New Jersey, United States;
2 VA Medical Center Wilmington, Wilmington Delaware, United States