This research, recently published in the International Journal of Transgender Health, has for the first time captured and analysed qualitative perspectives from the voices of Australian trans adults, leading to recommendations such as improving exercise programs and changing diagnostic screening for eating disorders.

The research team interviewed 25 people who were either a trans individual or a healthcare provider specialising in trans health. From analysis of the responses, the team found three key overarching and interconnecting themes that contribute to both healthy and harmful eating and exercise behaviour: gender affirmation, neurodivergence and environmental influences.

Led by A/Prof Bonnie Furzer and Mx Kai Schweizer, this work was supported by through an IgnitED Grant from the the Australian Eating Disorders Research Translation Center, and is a collaboration between the Mental Health + Exercise Research Group (MHEX), University of Western Australia, UNSW, and Thriving in Motion.

“In our work we not only established the risk factors that lead to complicated relationships with eating and exercise, but for the first time we were able to uncover how these could have unique, interconnected ways of presenting in a person.” Mx Schweizer said. 

“When gender affirming medical care is too expensive or not available, it makes sense for people to turn to diet and exercise to allow them to embody their gender more fully,” he said.

Co-author and operations manager at Thriving in Motion Felicity Austin said multidisciplinary care was needed to make a real difference to trans young people.

“It’s about working together, not being so siloed and making care specific to individuals” Ms Austin said.  

The findings from this study have been used to guide further research and clinical practice in the areas of trans health, eating disorders and dysfunctional behaviours, and led to the creation of community and health professional resources:

Eating + Exercise in Trans People – Community Research Summary

Exercise as Empowerment in Trans People – Research Summary

Eating and Identity: Challenges and Opportunities for Trans Folk

Eating + Exercise in Trans Adults – Health Professionals Resource

This work was supported by an IgnitEd Seed Grant through the Federal Government’s National Leadership in Mental Health Program–National Eating Disorder Research Centre.