Physical activity, exercise, and eating and weight disorders

Abstract

Abstract Eating disorders are complex and multifactorial clinical conditions characterised by a negative self-evaluative style and a focus on body shape and weight. The prevalence of disturbed eating behaviour that falls short of the clinical threshold for diagnosis as illness is higher than frank eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Disturbed eating behaviours and frank eating disorders impact a significant proportion of the population and are more common in adolescent girls and young women. Although eating behaviour is a fundamental component of eating disorders, the limited consideration of other important factors, such as physical activity, point to a gap in the theoretical understanding of both aetiology and treatment options. Given the importance to general health and well-being and covariance with eating disorder symptomatology, the limited consideration of physical activity in theoretical frameworks, diagnostic schemes, and treatment paradigms is surprising. Current evidence suggests that treatment approaches to eating disorders should attempt to minimise physical activity in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa and increase it in binge eating disorder. Further research is needed to better understand if, and if so how, physical activity might be incorporated as therapy for individuals with disturbed eating behaviours or eating disorders.