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.
