Abstract
BackgroundCompulsive exercise (CE) has been the neglected “Cinderella” among eating disorder (ED) symptoms, even though it seems to impact severity, treatment and outcome. This prompted a large-scale and systematic examination of the impact of CE in a representative ED sample.MethodsCE was examined in over 9000 female and male patients from a clinical ED database (covering out-patient, day and/or residential treatment) with respect to prevalence, ED diagnosis, ED symptoms, clinical features, patient characteristics, and outcome at 1-year follow-up. Relationships between changes in CE behavior and remission were also examined.ResultsCE was a transdiagnostic symptom, present in nearly half of all patients (48%). It was associated with greater overall ED pathology, particularly dietary restraint, and negative perfectionism. Initial CE did not impact remission rate, but patients continuing or starting CE during treatment had considerably lower remission rates compared to patients who never engaged in, or ceased with, CE. Results were comparable for females and males.ConclusionsAt baseline, there were few differences between patients with and without CE, except a somewhat higher symptom load for patients with CE, and CE did not predict ED outcome. However, how CE developed during treatment to 1-year follow-up considerably impacted remission rates. We strongly recommend CE to be systematically assessed, addressed, and continuously evaluated in all ED patients seeking treatment.
Highlights
Compulsive exercise (CE) has been the neglected “Cinderella” among eating disorder (ED) symptoms, even though it seems to impact severity, treatment and outcome
CE was reported by almost half of all patients, and prevalent in all ED diagnoses
CE prevalence differed significantly between diagnoses (AN, Bulimia nervosa (BN), Binge eating disorder (BED), ED not otherwise specified (EDNOS)) among both female (χ2(3, 8740) = 428.86, p < .001, Φ = .222), and male patients (χ2(3, 334) = 15.93, p = .001, Φ = .218), where CE was most frequent in patients with EDNOS followed by BN
Summary
Compulsive exercise (CE) has been the neglected “Cinderella” among eating disorder (ED) symptoms, even though it seems to impact severity, treatment and outcome. This prompted a large-scale and systematic examination of the impact of CE in a representative ED sample. The compulsive features of exercise in eating disorders (EDs) have gradually been given increased attention [1]. We aimed to extend upon Levallius, Collin and Birgegård’s study on adolescents [11], by examining associations between CE, related clinical features and different EDs, as well as longitudinal associations to outcome, in the largest adult patient sample to date
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
