New research from The University of Western Australia, Thriving in Motion and The Kids Research Institute Australia has unveiled crucial insights into trans and gender-diverse Australians' experiences of exercise and eating behaviours, highlighting the need for more inclusive health services.
Published in the International Journal of Transgender Health, the study involved in-depth interviews with both trans people and health and exercise professionals to understand the complex factors influencing health behaviours in the trans community.
Lead researchers PhD candidate Mx Kai Schweizer and Associate Professor Bonnie Furzer, from UWA's School of Human Sciences and The Kids, said the findings demonstrated that exercise and eating behaviours were deeply interconnected with gender identity and broader social challenges.
"Our research showed that while many trans people engage in health-promoting behaviours, they often face unique barriers that can lead to complicated relationships with exercise and eating," Mx Schweizer said.
Image: Kayleen and JJ from Thriving in Motion who deliver exercise for trans and gender diverse young people.
"What we found particularly striking was how these behaviours are shaped by multiple factors including personal gender expression, co-occurring neurodivergence (autism and ADHD), and systemic challenges such as discrimination, safety concerns and limited access to gender-affirming care."
The study identified three key themes that influence health behaviours among trans people: gender affirmation, neurodivergence and environmental influences, finding these contributed to both positive health practices and potentially harmful behaviours such as compulsive exercise and restrictive eating.
The paper, which builds on the team's growing body of research in this area and a recently launched research trial with the Perth Children's Hospital gender service, concluded that current assessment and management approaches often failed to address the unique needs of trans people.
"This work, which is part of a broader effort to improve health outcomes for trans Australians, highlighted a critical gap in current healthcare services," Associate Professor Furzer said.
"We need to develop more inclusive and effective strategies that consider the specific needs of trans people when it comes to exercise and eating behaviours.
"By understanding these experiences better, we can work towards creating more supportive and inclusive healthcare and exercise environments."
This research was supported by an IgnitEd Seed Grant through the Federal Government's National Leadership in Mental Health Program–National Eating Disorder Research Centre.
