Study reveals exercise challenges for trans and gender-diverse Australians
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 behaviors, highlighting the need for more inclusive health services.
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 behaviors in the trans community.
Lead researchers, Ph.D. 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 behaviors were deeply interconnected with gender identity and broader social challenges.
"Our research showed that while many trans people engage in health-promoting behaviors, they often face unique barriers that can lead to complicated relationships with exercise and eating," Mx. Schweizer said.
"What we found particularly striking was how these behaviors 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 behaviors among trans people: gender affirmation, neurodivergence and environmental influences, finding these contributed to both positive health practices and potentially harmful behaviors 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 health care 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 behaviors.
"By understanding these experiences better, we can work towards creating more supportive and inclusive health care and exercise environments."
More information: Kai Schweizer et al, Eating and exercise experiences of Australian trans and gender diverse folks: lived experience and stakeholder perspectives, International Journal of Transgender Health (2025).
Provided by University of Western Australia
