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Exercise and eating disorder symptoms among young females

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Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background: In various settings, eating disorder symptoms have been linked to physical activity. Methods: A random sample of 726 females, aged 17–23 years, responded on a self-administered questionnaire. “High level exercisers” (HiEx) were defined as subjects exercising ≥6 sessions/week, ≥1 h/session. “Exercisers with obligatory attitudes” (ObEx) were those obtaining a result above the 95th percentile on a composite score of obligatory exercise items. These groups were compared to controls regarding composite scores of eating disorder symptoms and other symptoms. Results: While HiEx did not, ObEx obtained a significant result at the p<0.001 level regarding the score for body image problems, recurrent weight-reducing attempts, bingeing and post-prandial impulses to vomit. ObEx was also associated with symptoms related to stress and in particular with a high level of general activity coupled with perfectionistic ambitions. Conclusions: Eating disorder symptoms in young females seem to be associated with obligatory attitudes to exercise rather than with exercise quantity.

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  1. Department of Neurosciences (Psychiatry), University Hospital of Uppsala, S-751 81, Uppsala, Sweden

    K. Seigel M.D. & J. Hetta

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  1. K. Seigel M.D.
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Seigel, K., Hetta, J. Exercise and eating disorder symptoms among young females. Eat Weight Disord 6, 32–39 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03339749

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