Physical activity behaviors and attitudes among women with an eating disorder: a qualitative study

Jennifer Brunet,Amanda Wurz,Francis Del Duchetto

doi:10.1186/s40337-021-00377-w

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is an integral part of healthcare for the general population and individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, PA is significantly more complex for and related to both healthy (e.g., reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms) and unhealthy outcomes (e.g., intrusive, repetitive thoughts that lead to abnormally high levels of PA) among women with an eating disorder (ED). Consequently, many healthcare professionals recommend abstinence from PA during ED treatment. Despite this, women may remain engaged in PA during ED treatment or resume PA shortly thereafter. Little has been done to understand women’s PA behaviors and attitudes and to explore how they integrate PA into their lives during and after ED treatment. Thus, this study sought to explore PA behaviors and attitudes among women with an ED.MethodsNine women who self-reported receiving an ED diagnosis participated in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsSix interrelated themes were constructed to represent participants’ PA experiences: PA as a lifestyle, PA can be beneficial, How I feel when I can’t do PA, Being cautious about PA, Reactions to healthcare professionals’ practice of recommending abstinence from PA during ED treatment, and PA programming thoughts.ConclusionsOvercoming dysfunctional PA behaviors (e.g., engaging in abnormally high levels of PA) and attitudes (e.g., associating PA with caloric expenditure) can be a long and complicated journey for women with an ED. Nevertheless, women with an ED want PA to be integrated into their ED treatment protocol for two key reasons, namely to accrue the benefits associated with PA and to learn how to engage in PA in adaptive and healthy ways.

Highlights

Eating disorders (EDs) are the most prevalent psychiatric disorder diagnosed in women [1]
The women expressed a desire for Physical activity (PA) to be integrated into their ED treatment protocol when possible so they accrue benefits and learn how to engage in PA in adaptive and healthy ways
The practice of recommending abstinence from PA during ED treatment has been questioned [46] and many women remain engaged in PA during ED treatment or resume PA shortly thereafter to self-regulate, manage problematic feelings, and accrue the benefits associated with PA [33, 47]

Summary

Introduction

Eating disorders (EDs) are the most prevalent psychiatric disorder diagnosed in women [1]. EDs can have a negative impact on physical and psychosocial health. EDs are associated with high rates of anxiety, depression, body image issues, and obsessive-compulsive disorders [8,9,10]. Whilst treatments such as pharmacological treatment, nutrition counselling, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help women manage their ED, many continue to experience compromised physical and psychosocial health, re-accessing healthcare for years following their diagnosis [11, 12]. Physical activity (PA) is an integral part of healthcare for the general population and individuals with psychiatric disorders. This study sought to explore PA behaviors and attitudes among women with an ED

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion