At Optimum Intake, we are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals in the LGBTQI+ community, with a team of inclusive dietitians and client care co-ordiantors. We recognise that historically, healthcare services for LGBTQI+ individuals have been inadequate. That’s why we are committed to offering evidence-based nutritional support that addresses the unique needs of these communities.
Our team of dietitians, proud allies, have received specialised training in various areas of dietetics, including gender-affirming healthcare, body image concerns, hormone treatment, chronic disease management, weight changes, mental health, trauma, wound care, and fertility. We understand the specific challenges and considerations that LGBTQI+ individuals may face when it comes to their nutrition and overall well-being.
We recognise that there may be hesitations or concerns in seeking and attending health support due to past experiences with health care providers. Optimum Intake Dietitians work to create a safe and inclusive environment where the client can feel comfortable discussing their unique health needs.
Our mission is to provide the support, education, and resources necessary to make choices that align with the individual’s needs and goals. We believe in fostering a culture of acceptance, understanding, and access to care for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or neurodivergence.
Together, we can work towards creating a healthier and more inclusive future.
Body Image
Individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse may face pressure to conform to societal body standards to have their gender identity validated. These pressures can come from various sources, including media, social expectations, and even within the LGBTQ+ community itself. This can lead to feelings of insecurity, dysphoria, and a sense of not being fully accepted and ultimately contribute to the development of body image issues.
At Optimum Intake, we strive to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore and express their gender identity without the pressure to conform to specific body standards. Our nutrition services consider the unique experiences and needs of trans and gender diverse individuals, providing resources and guidance to help them navigate their own personal journey of self-acceptance, embrace their authentic selves, and make choices that align with their own gender identity and well-being.
Weight Changes
LGBTQI+ individuals, like their non-LGBTQI+ counterparts, experience weight concerns. At Optimum Intake Dietitians, we provide support for clients dealing with these concerns through a non-diet approach to care. We recognise that individuals undergoing gender-affirming therapy may undergo significant bodily changes that impact their weight and shape, and we offer assistance in addressing these concerns.
Our approach at Optimum Intake Dietitians is weight-neutral, prioritising nutrition support for overall health rather than conforming to a traditional diet model. Our focus lies in compassionate care and tailored nutrition guidance to help foster a healthy relationship for our clients with their bodies. We understand that positive changes can be achieved without solely focusing on the number on a scale, and our goal is to support clients in making sustainable and positive changes that promote their overall well-being.
Mental Health
Research has demonstrated that a disproportionate number of LGBTIQ+ individuals face poorer mental health outcomes and a heightened risk of suicidal behaviours compared to their non-LGBTIQ+ peers. This can be attributed to various factors, including experiences of discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, social isolation, limited acceptance, and the challenges associated with disclosing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It is crucial to emphasise that being LGBTIQ+ itself does not inherently cause these problems. However, the external factors and negative experiences mentioned can significantly contribute to mental health issues among LGBTIQ+ individuals.
At Optimum Intake, we understand the unique challenges that individuals within our community may encounter, and we are committed to providing a comprehensive approach to health. We recognise the importance of addressing mental health concerns specific to the client’s needs, and our therapy methods are tailored accordingly. Whether the client requires dietary guidance or psychological interventions, together with our sister clinic Mytle Oak Clinic, we offer support to help them overcome these challenges and develop strategies to enhance their overall well-being. Our goal is to provide holistic care that encompasses both physical and mental health, empowering our clients to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Neurodiversity
Neurodivergence is more common amongst the LGBTQi+ community compared with cisgendered and heterosexual populations. Optimum Intake Dietitians clinical and administrative staff work to ensure neurodivergent individuals feel comfortable in our clinic spaces and throughout their treatment journey. Our team of healthcare professionals and client care co-ordinators provide comprehensive care that is sensitive to your unique circumstances. We understand that seeking healthcare can be daunting, and we are committed to creating a welcoming space for all presenting to our service.
Hormone therapy
Transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy have unique nutrition needs that can vary based on the specific stage and type of gender-affirming therapy they are receiving. At Optimum Intake, our team of experienced dietitians provide support and guidance to help our clients navigate the changes to health that may arise from therapy.
Using a weight-neutral approach, we consider the specific nutrition requirements which may include support for changes to bone health, blood health markers and metabolism. We work closely with the chosen healthcare team to ensure the risk of chronic disease is reduced and the client receives the necessary nutrients to support overall health during gender affirming therapy.
Chronic Disease
LGBTQI+ individuals face a higher risk of chronic disease, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. This increased risk can be attributed to several factors such as lower rates of health screening, limited research, stigma, and inadequate support provided to the community. Additionally, certain therapies within gender-affirming healthcare may potentially contribute to the development of these chronic diseases.
At Optimum Intake, we are committed to providing an inclusive practice that is well-versed in LGBTQI+ health. Our team of dietitians plays a crucial role as part of the healthcare team, offering individualised nutrition advice specifically tailored for chronic disease management.
For more information on our approach to managing chronic diseases, please visit our Chronic Disease page.
At Optimum Intake, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where the client can feel comfortable discussing their concerns and access the support they require. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and we are here to support them on their journey toward optimal health and well-being.
Wound Care
Nutrition plays a vital role in the process of wound healing, particularly for individuals recovering from post-surgical wounds.
Various nutrients such as protein, energy, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals play complex roles in the healing process. In cases where wounds are not healing as expected, it is important to consider the possibility of malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies as contributing factors.
At Optimum Intake, our team is well-educated on the specific nutritional considerations related to gender-affirming surgical procedures and wound healing. We understand the unique needs of individuals undergoing these surgeries and the importance of tailored nutrition support for optimal and timely wound recovery.
Through individualised support, we can assess nutritional status, identify any potential deficiencies, and develop personalised nutrition plans to address the client’s specific needs.
By working closely with the multi-disciplinary healthcare team, including surgeons and other medical professionals, we can ensure coordinated care and provide comprehensive support throughout the post-surgery journey.
Fertility and PCOS
Transgender individuals may face challenges related to fertility and reproductive health as a result of hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, such as hysterectomy and oophorectomies. We understand that discussions surrounding reproductive health and fertility can be sensitive and even traumatic for some individuals. At Optimum Intake, we are committed to providing inclusive and trauma-informed care. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive space to discuss health concerns allowing our clients to receive personalised nutrition advice, taking into accounts the specific nutrients required to support the fertility journey.
For LGBTQI+ individuals who have PCOS, finding a healthcare provider who can provide compassionate and informed care can be challenging. Many individuals may feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual orientation or gender identity with healthcare providers who are not familiar with LGBTQI+ healthcare. Additionally, they may not be aware of the specific nutritional needs associated with PCOS. Optimum Intake Dietitians inclusive team can provide personalised dietary recommendations, as well as practical tips for meal planning and grocery shopping and help individuals to develop strategies for managing stress, improving sleep, and increasing physical activity, all of which can be beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Moreover, we offer education on the changes to metabolic pathways that can occur in PCOS, leading to disturbances in lipid, carbohydrate, and hormonal metabolism. By providing this information, we empower the client to better understand the condition and make informed decisions about their health.
We strive to be a trusted partner in health, providing comprehensive and inclusive care that meets the specific needs of our clients, helping them to optimal well-being.