Kai Schweizer
PhD Student
BA, MSexol
kai.schweizer@thekids.org.au
they/he
Kai Schweizer is a researcher, sexologist, and youth worker, and PhD student with the University of Western Australia and The Kids Research Institute Australia. They are also a Research Affiliate at the Inside Out Institute for Eating Disorders, where they are involved in a large study of the body image, eating behaviours of LGBTIQA+ people. Kai’s PhD project is focused on improving eating disorder treatment for trans and gender diverse people.
Their other research interests include:
- The needs and experiences Autistic trans and gender diverse people
- Causes for the high prevalence of chronic pain and chronic health conditions in trans and gender diverse people
- The impact of Autism and ADHD on eating and exercise behaviours
- Trans and gender diverse sexual health
Published research
Eating and exercise experiences of Australian trans and gender diverse folks: lived experience and stakeholder perspectives
Trans individuals face elevated health risks and socio-environmental challenges, influencing their engagement in health-protective behaviors (e.g. exercise and nutrition). Despite these challenges, there is a significant gap in understanding the specific eating and exercise experiences of Australian trans adults, including barriers to healthy behaviors and healthcare experiences. This study aims to address this gap by exploring these experiences, informing targeted interventions and healthcare practices to improve health outcomes.
Neurodivergence, intersectionality, and eating disorders: a lived experience-led narrative review
Autistic people and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are at a high risk of developing an eating disorder. While there is limited evidence on the relationship between other forms of neurodivergence and eating disorders, research suggests associations between giftedness, intellectual disability, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychosis, Tourette's syndrome, and disordered eating.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts – Curtin University
- Graduate Diploma in Sexology – Curtin University
- Master of Sexology – Curtin University
Awards/Honours
- 2021 - Rosemary Coates Sexology Award
- 2021 - LotteryWest Award for LGBTI Inclusion
- 2018 - Pinnacle Scholarship