Exploring nutrition-related interests of the transgender and gender-diverse community: a content analysis of a transgender-centric discussion forum on Reddit.

Objective: The solicitation of nutrition-related health advice on social media platforms is on the rise. However, there is a paucity of research on the distinctive nutrition-related concerns and needs faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Understanding patterns of nutrition-related information-seeking behaviour is vital to advancing health promotion efforts within this community. This study aimed to characterise the nutrition-related questions posed by the transgender community on a prominent social media outlet, Reddit.

Design: A qualitative, cross-sectional content analysis was conducted, focusing on the top 100 submissions (ranked by popularity) within a transgender-centric online subreddit (r/asktransgender). Data extraction was facilitated using the Application Programming Interface Pushshift. The content analysis was conducted using NVivo.

Setting: The study was situated within the discussion forum of the social media platform, Reddit.

Results: A total of 148 references from 90 eligible posts were identified and coded. The major themes included the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on nutritional health ( 66), weight status ( 45), dietary needs and behaviours ( 21), physical activity and weight loss on body shape ( 9), social undermining ( 4) and effects of health behaviours on HRT ( 3).

Conclusion: This study underscores the pressing need for tailored and evidence-based nutrition guidelines and communication toolkits that specifically address the distinct needs and experiences of transgender individuals, particularly those undergoing HRT.