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Understanding Obesity among SGM-AFAB: Developmental Trajectories and Risk Factors

Devlin, Emily
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1668618335833618

Abstract Details

2022, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Psychology.
Background: Rates of obesity are disproportionately high among sexual and gender minorities assigned female at birth (SGM-AFAB) in late adolescence and adulthood (Wood et al., 2017). However, it remains unclear when obesity increases among SGM-AFB. Therefore, research is needed to estimate the developmental trajectories of obesity across adolescence and young adulthood among SGM-AFAB youth, which may differ from other groups. Moreover, although SGM-AFAB are a demographically heterogenous group with considerable diversity in terms of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity, it is unknown whether developmental obesity trajectories differ among subgroups of SGM-AFAB. Another crucial step in informing obesity intervention and prevention efforts for SGM-AFAB is to identify risk factors for obesity in this population. Chronic social stress is a well-established risk factor for obesity (Scott et al., 2012). According to Minority Stress Theory, minority groups face unique social stressors based in the stigmatization of their marginalized identities, which are additive to the general social stressors faced by all individuals. However, only two empirical studies have explored this topic, both indicating that there is a positive cross-sectional association between sexual and gender minority stress and obesity (Mereish, 2014; Devlin et al., 2020). Method: All participants (N=400) were enrolled in FAB400, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of young SGM-AFAB. A multilevel modeling approach (MLM) was used to explore trajectories of obesity across multiple assessment points for each participant. Participants’ age at each wave of data collection was entered into Level 1 of MLM as a predictor of the obesity, which captured linear change in obesity across time. Non-linear change in obesity was tested by entering a quadratic term (Age x Age). Obesity at each time point for each individual was predicted with the three minority stress variables (victimization, microaggressions, and internalized stigma) at the same time-point for the same participant, controlling for any linear change over time. Results: Roughly a quarter (22%) of participants were obese at baseline and across all timepoints the average percentage of obesity was 27%. We found a within-person association between age and likelihood of obesity across the ages of 16 to 24 years). Obesity was more prevalent among Black and Latinx than White participants, non-monosexual participants had higher rates of obesity than gay/lesbian participants, and gender identity was not related to an increased likelihood of obesity. Within persons, an increase in anti-SM microaggressions was associated with increased risk for obesity. Conclusion: The current study highlights the risk for obesity among SGM-AFAB late adolescents and young adults, particularly those who identify as a racial minority, those who identify as non-monosexual, and those who experience high levels of anti-SM microaggressions. SGM-AFAB youth represent an underserved high-risk group who must not be ignored when addressing the obesity epidemic. Targeted obesity prevention and treatment programs should consider the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of young SGM-AFAB.
Sarah Whitton, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Carlie Trott, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Cathleen Stough, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
36 p.
Psychology
LGBT; Obesity; Trajectories

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Devlin, E. (2022). Understanding Obesity among SGM-AFAB: Developmental Trajectories and Risk Factors [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1668618335833618

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Devlin, Emily. Understanding Obesity among SGM-AFAB: Developmental Trajectories and Risk Factors. 2022. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1668618335833618.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Devlin, Emily. "Understanding Obesity among SGM-AFAB: Developmental Trajectories and Risk Factors." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1668618335833618

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1668618335833618
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.