Disordered Eating and Exercise Dependence in Endurance Athletes

Bernd Zeulner,Rolf Janka,Heiko Ziemainz,Christian Beyer,Matthias Hammon

doi:10.4236/ape.2016.62009

Abstract

Background: The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of disordered eating and exercise dependence among elite and amateur endurance athletes, both male and female, and to find out whether there was an association between disordered eating and exercise addiction in these athletes. Methods: 1031 participants of major German endurance events (745 male, 286 female, 528 elite athletes and 503 hobby athletes) with a mean age of 41.6 ± 10.7 years old completed a set of questionnaires, including the SCOFF questionnaire and the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI). Results: A rate of 18.9% of the athletes surveyed were at risk for developing an eating disorder, slightly higher than that in the normal population, and 2.7% had the potential to develop an exercise addiction. There was a significant correlation between exercise addiction and eating disorders. No gender difference related to the probability of developing an eating disorder or an exercise addiction, nor a difference between elite or amateur athletes was found. Exercise addiction and eating disorders showed a significant correlation.

Highlights

Endurance sports, including long distance running, cycling and triathlon, are associated with many positive phy-How to cite this paper: Zeulner, B., Ziemainz, H., Beyer, C., Hammon, M., & Janka, R. (2016)
We considered athletes taking part at national championships, including the Challenge Roth Triathlon and German Championships Marathon Running, as elite athletes, while others taking part at a 10 km hobby run without timing were most likely hobby athletes
Eating disorders do not appear to be more common in endurance sports athletes than in the general population, these types of sports cannot be considered as risk factors for developing one

Summary

Introduction

Endurance sports, including long distance running, cycling and triathlon, are associated with many positive phy-How to cite this paper: Zeulner, B., Ziemainz, H., Beyer, C., Hammon, M., & Janka, R. (2016). A large body of evidence demonstrates specific benefits of endurance sports on psychological health, including protection from depressive disorders, enhanced self-esteem, an improved feeling of wellness and an increased sense of personal control (Leonardson, 1977; Greist et al, 1978; Lion, 1978; Greist et al, 1979; Jorgenson & Jorgenson, 1979) In this context, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK) guidelines suggest that regular athletic activities (e.g., 3 times a week for 45 - 60 minutes) for 10 - 14 weeks can improve mild to moderate depression (Nice-Guidelines, 2009; Kim et al, 2015).

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