Eating disorders and exercise dependence

Question 1

Defining eating disorders: sub clinical levels of disordered eating:

Answer 1

Unhealthy attitudes towards their weight and food

May engage in some unhealthy eating

Do not meet the criteria for clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder

Question 2

Defining eating disorders: Clinical eating disorder: Binge eating disorder:

Answer 2

Lack of control over eating

Rapid consumption of large quantities of food over a short duration

Guilt, embarrassment and disgust

Solitary eating

Question 3

Defining eating disorders: Clinical eating disorder: Anorexia Nervosa

Answer 3

Intense fear of
gaining weight
Visibly

underweight (15%
below norms)

Amenorrhea

Disturbed body
image

Unaware of a
problem

Question 4

Defining eating disorders: Clinical eating disorder: Bulimia Nervosa

Answer 4

Fear of being
unable to stop
eating

Bingeing & purging

Self-evaluation
defined by
appearance

Aware of a
problem

Question 5

Defining eating disorders: Clinical eating disorder: Orthorexia Nervosa

Answer 5

Exaggerated fixation on healthy food

Question 6

Why are Eating Disorders relevant for Exercise Scientists?

Answer 6

Most women exercise for appearance, not health reasons
(Silberstein et al., 1988)

Weight control identified as the main reason why women exercise
(Markland & Hardy, 1993)

Between 30 and 60% of female athletes use pathogenic methods of weight control
(Petrie, 1993)

60% of patients with Eating Disorders were athletes or dancers
(Davis et al., 1994)

Question 7

Can Exercise Participation lead to Eating Disorders: ANOREXIA NERVOSA PATIENTS?

Answer 7

81% exercised excessively
during an acute phase

56% were regular sports/exercise
participants before dieting

51% reported above average physical activity during childhood

Question 8

Can Exercise Participation lead to Eating Disorders: ADOLESCENT ANOREXIA NERVOSA PATIENTS?

Answer 8

More physically active
More obligatory commitment

Dramatic increase in physical activity
one year prior to diagnosis

Question 9

defining exercise dependence?

Answer 9

Regular, daily, abnormal schedule

Exercise as priority

Withdrawal symptoms

Interferes with relationships

Disturbed psychological functioning

Question 10

what is Primary exercise dependence?

Answer 10

No Eating Disorder

Dependent on the exercise itself, not secondary effects like weight loss

Question 11

what is secondary exercise dependence?

Answer 11

Co-existing Eating Disorder

Dependent on the exercise for the secondary effects like weight loss

Excessive exercise is a symptom of the eating disorder