Post by Bonnie Furzer

We're thrilled to share that our new mixed-methods study on eating and exercise behaviors in trans and gender diverse adults has been accepted in American Psychological Association Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Journal. This research, co-led by Kai Schweizer, with our team across The University of Western Australia, Telethon Kids Institute, UNSW Medicine & Health, Edith Cowan University, Thriving in Motion, is one of the first studies to use the Compulsive Exercise Test and Self-Determination Theory together to understand these behaviors in trans adults. Here's what we found in 158 trans adults (mean age 22.8yrs): → 37.3% reported a lifetime eating disorder diagnosis → 32.3% scored above the clinical cut-off for current ED symptoms → 15.2% met the threshold for compulsive exercise → 88% identified as neurodivergent, a critical intersectional finding Those with binary gender identities had higher odds of compulsive exercise, and compulsive exercisers showed very different motivational profiles, particularly higher introjected regulation (exercising out of guilt or to avoid negative feelings). Qualitatively, participants described four interconnected themes: → Gender identity as a direct and indirect driver of behaviour → Environmental and safety barriers in exercise spaces → Vulnerability during puberty and gender transition → Pressure to conform to gendered body ideals What this means for practice: there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Trans adults need individualised, gender-affirming care that accounts for their full experience, not just their gender identity. This is the last of 3 publications made possible with thanks to Australian Eating Disorders Research and Translation Centre IgnitED grant! Full Citation: Kai Schweizer, Marion Mundt, Felicity Austin, Brett Buist, Kemi Wright, Penelope Strauss, Ashleigh Lin, Ben Jackson, Kate Wilkinson and Bonnie Furzer. Eating and Exercise Motivation and Behaviors in Trans and Gender Diverse Adults: A Mixed Methods Study. Online First Publication, April 2, 2026. https://lnkd.in/gq6V7fPh #TransHealth #EatingDisorders #ExerciseScience #GenderDiverse #MentalHealth #GenderAffirming #Research #Neurodivergent #PublicHealth #AustralianResearch