Supporting healthy eating and exercise behaviours in trans communities
Dr Bonnie Furzer
University of Western Australia, Thriving Exercise Rehabilitation Inc, Fremantle Hospital Mental Health Service, Telethon Kids Institute
Affiliate Authors
Felicity Austin, Thriving Exercise Rehabilitation Inc, University of Western Australia, Telethon Kids Institute;
Prof Ashleigh Lin, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia;
Xander Bickendorf, Telethon Kids Institute, Gender Diversity Service - Perth Children’s Hospital;
Hunter Gurevich, Transfolk of WA;
Dr Kemi Wright, University of New South Wales, Thriving Exercise Rehabilitation Inc;
Prof Ben Jackson, University of Western Australia, Telethon Kids Institute;
Jessica Luke, Fremantle Hospital Mental Health Service;
Christine Granger, Proud 2 Play;
Dr Penelope Strauss, Telethon Kids Institute;
We are bringing together those with experience of gender diversity or disordered eating and exercise; along with community groups and experts in the fields to understand more about exercise and eating behaviours in trans individuals.
By the end of 2023 we aim to have developed the first steps for gender-affirmative recommendations to support healthy eating and exercise behaviours, and improve awareness of the early warning signs of eating disorders in trans communities.
This is really important as trans and gender diverse people are especially vulnerable to disordered eating and exercise behaviours, which are the greatest risk factor for developing an eating disorder.
The reasons why are unique to trans people and poorly understood, but range from body dissatisfaction to stigma and discrimination. Currently we have limited knowledge to support prevention, screening and support for trans individuals with risky eating or exercise behaviours.