Patterns of physical activity in college students at possible risk for eating disorder

Abstract

The relationship between exercise patterns and possible risk for eating disorders was examined in a survey of undergraduates using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT). Reported hours of jogging per week correlated positively and significantly with total EAT scores and with scores on the “Dieting” factor. The Dieting factor also showed significant correlations with number of activities and total hours of activities. Subjects with EAT scores at or above 30 showed a significantly higher mean number of hours of jogging per week than subjects with EAT scores less than 30. Total EAT scores and each of the three factor scores showed a significant positive correlation with exercising alone. Overall levels of activity and hours spent in activities other than jogging did not relate to total EAT scores nor differentiate between the high and low EAT score groups. The apparent preference for jogging among those possibly at risk for eating disorders is discussed in terms of sociocultural and dynamic factors associated with eating disorders.