Exercise Dependence Scale Research Articles

Troubles alimentaires, fonctionnement émotionnel et activité physique au sein d’une population étudiante spécifique

IntroductionThe students represent a high-risk population for Feeding and Eating Disorders, including problematic eating behaviors, also called Unspecified Feeding and Eating Disorders. These latters usually begin during this period, especially in the first years of study. This study aims to better understand disordered eating by focusing on exercise dependence, emotional sensitivity and openness among a student population. The literature has shown that eating disorders are linked to an operative psychic functioning. The latter is characterized by a poverty of symbolization, associated with problematic emotions treatment modalities’ and with addicted to physical activity that account for the tendency of the subject to focus on the field of reality. We consider it important to study the link between emotions and physical activity in a non-clinical population in order to bring elements of understanding of problematic eating behaviors. Our aim is to assess, firstly, the emotional functioning of students with problematic eating behaviors; on the other, to assess the links that may exist between problematic eating behaviors and dependence to physical activity. We also aim to assess how emotional intensity, emotional openness and dependence to physical activity are explanatory factors of problematic eating behaviors. MethodsThis work was conducted with 113 female enrolled in a first year nursing program. We used the Eating Attitudes Test, the Exercise Dependence Scale, the Affect Intensity Measure and the Emotional Openness Inventory. ResultsAmong the 113 female enrolled in a first year nursing program, 21% of them have problematic eating behaviors. The results showed (1) a positive relationship between problematic eating behaviors and the perception of body internal and external emotional indicators; (2) women with problematic eating behaviors were more aware of body internal indicators of affectivity than none problematic eating disturbance, they also had an exercise dependence score higher than the others students; (3) the awareness of external indicators of affectivity and tolerance were explanatory factors from problematic eating behaviors. ConclusionThe research aim was to determine the specificity of exercise dependence, affect intensity and emotional openness within eating disturbances. Results indicated that the exercise dependence and the processing mode of emotions highlight a concrete operating mode among student with a problematic eating disturbance. The apprehension of emotions is done on a concrete and operative side. The subject would practice a sport in order to turn away from emotional experiences that he cannot develop psychically, but also reduce the sense of body dissatisfaction. Problematic eating behaviors would an alternative allowing regaining control over his body and would a support in the regulation of emotions.

Prevalence of Primary and Secondary Exercise Dependence and Its Correlation with Drive for Thinness in Practitioners of Different Sports and Physical Activities

Relatively few studies directly compared the prevalence of exercise dependence (EXD) in different sports. Different conceptualizations and measures of EXD limit the possibility of comparing results from different studies. In this study, we measured the prevalence of EXD and its correlation with drive for thinness (DT) in four different categories of sports and exercise. Participants were 427 people engaging in endurance sports, esthetic sports, team sports, or fitness activities. The Exercise Dependence Scale was adopted to measure EXD; the Drive for Thinness scale was used to measure DT and to distinguish between primary and secondary EXD. Results suggested that none of the considered sport categories seems to be more at risk for EXD than the other ones. A correlation between EXD and DT was found in the fitness group, suggesting, together with previous literature, that EXD could be related to the reward a person strives to achieve trough exercising.

Exercise Dependence – The Role of Perfectionism and Disordered Eating

Despite the physical and psychological benefits of exercise, recent evidence has been gathered on the downsides of this healthy habit in the form of exercise dependence. Exercise dependence is an uncontrolled urge for exercising and satisfying that urge becomes the ultimate goal in everyday life and, consequently leads to the loss of beneficial effects of exercise. This study contains validation of the Exercise Dependence Scale (Hausenblas & Symon Downs, 2002b) used for the first time on a Croatian sample for measuring exercise dependence symptoms. In an online conducted research 281 women participated, mean age of 22 years (SD = 2.70). The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of perfectionism and disordered eating in explaining exercise dependence symptoms. The conducted analyses identified personal standards, doubt about actions, and dieting as significant individual predictors for exercise dependence. More precisely, participants with higher personal standards, more doubts about their actions, and those who often engage in dieting tend to experience more exercise dependence symptoms. Perfectionism dimensions and disordered eating aspects explained 23% of the exercise dependence variance.

Which dimensions of impulsivity are related to problematic practice of physical exercise?

Background and aimsProblematic practice of physical exercise (PPPE) has been suggested to be a behavioral addiction. Impulsivity represents a core dimension of behavioral addictions. However, little is known about impulsivity facets in PPPE. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of impulsivity facets in PPPE.MethodsA total of 684 students (between 18 and 25 years) took part in this study and filled up a battery of questionnaire, which consisted of following measures – Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, Exercise Dependence Scale – Revised, and the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale. Multiple regression analyses were utilized to investigate the predictive role of each impulsivity facet in PPPE.ResultsAge, the total level of physical activity per day, sex (male), negative urgency, and sensation seeking were found to be significant predictors of PPPE. A categorical analysis of PPPE revealed that negative urgency, positive urgency, and sensation seeking were significantly higher in the dependent category of PPPE.Discussion and conclusionsAssociations to negative urgency and sensation seeking might indicate that PPPE serves to regulate or alleviate negative affect or aversive emotional states. Thus, PPPE could be conceptualized as a short-term coping strategy dedicated to relieving negative affective states, like other maladaptive behaviors such as binge eating, binge drinking, or compulsive buying.

Physical Activity and Health Perception in Aging: Do Body Mass and Satisfaction Matter? A Three-Path Mediated Link.

Although ageing people could benefit from healthy diet and physical activity to maintain health and quality of life, further understandings of the diet- and physical activity-related mechanisms that may cause changes in health and quality of life perception are necessary. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of eating attitudes, body mass and image satisfaction, and exercise dependence in the relationship between physical activity and health and quality of life perception in older individuals. Hundred and seventy-nine late middle-aged, (55–64 yrs), young-old (65–74 yrs), and old (75–84 yrs) senior athletes (n = 56), physically active (n = 58) or sedentary adults (n = 65) were submitted to anthropometric evaluations (body mass, height) and self-reported questionnaires: Body Image Dimensional Assessment, Exercise Dependence Scale, Eating Attitude Test, and Short Form Health Survey (Physical Component Summary [PCS] and Mental Component Summary [MCS] of and health and quality of life perception). Senior athletes, physically active, and sedentary participants subgroups differed (P<0.05) from each other in body mass index (BMI) and several components of body image and exercise dependence. Senior athletes showed, compared to their sedentary counterparts, further differences (P<0.05) in eating attitudes and in both PCS and MCS. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between physical activity habit and MCS, but not PCS, was indirectly explained by a serial mediation chain composed of objective BMI and subjective body image (dis)satisfaction. Findings confirm the relevant role of physically active life habits for older individuals to perceive good physical and mental health. The novelty of the three-path mediated link between physical activity level and mental health perception suggests that the beneficial effect of a physically active lifestyle on weight control can positively impinge on the cognitive-emotional dimension of mental health by ensuring the maintenance, also at older age, of a satisfactory body image.

Exercise Dependence in Amateur Competitors and Non-Competitor Recreational Exercisers

Research has demonstrated that exercising has health promoting effects. However, if habitual sporting activities become uncontrollable, detrimental health consequences can occur among a minority of individuals. Furthermore, such obligatory exercise can cause serious decline in school/work productivity, as well as financial problems, relationship problems, and poor psychological and physical wellbeing. The aim of the present study was to compare characteristics related to exercise dependence (ED) between recreational exercisers and amateur competitors. A total of 1439 participants (41.4 % male; mean age = 32 years) completed a battery of measures including the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), SCOFF, Well-Being Questionnaire, and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. Results showed that 6.5 % of participants identified themselves as amateur competitive exercisers. Amateur competitors exercised significantly more (6.4 h) than non-competitor recreational exercisers (4.6 h). Amateur competitors also scored significantly higher on the EDS. Significant effects were found between competing and self-esteem concerning ED. Results showed that both features had a strong effect on ED. The study highlights the connection between ED symptoms and lower self-esteem and/or lower levels of subjective wellbeing. These influential factors are worth considering when planning preventive interventions addressing ED for both amateur competitors and non-competitive recreational athletes as well as when promoting sport as a healthy activity.

Conceptualizing primary and secondary pathological exercise using available measures of excessive exercise.

There is disagreement about the conceptualization and measurement of pathological exercise (PE). This study seeks to elucidate the nature of this phenomenon as addictive or compulsive in its primary and secondary forms. 1,497 adults (608 men, 885 women, 4 other) completed a set of validated surveys, including the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, the Exercise Dependence Scale-21, the Exercise Addiction Inventory, the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire, the Commitment to Exercise Scale, and an exercise specific adaptation of the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (ESDOCS). Participants completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire, and DSM-5 eating disorder (ED) diagnoses were determined according to published guidelines. Pearson correlation coefficients, independent samples t-tests, χ(2) tests, 1-way ANOVA's, and ANCOVA's were calculated. All PE measures correlated highly with one another (P < 0.001). Participants with EDs scored higher on all measures than those without (P < 0.001), and those with bulimia nervosa had the highest scores. Participants with PE and an accompanying ED (secondary PE) scored higher than those with PE and no ED symptoms (primary ED) on the CET (P < 0.002) and ESDOCS (P < 0.003). Correlations between EDE-Q and PE scores were stronger among women than men. PE prevalence was 6.4% (1.4% primary PE, 5.0% secondary PE) in our heterogeneous sample. Secondary PE appears to be more compulsive while primary PE is more addictive in nature. Men and women are equally at risk for PE, but in men it is more often primary and addictive and in women it is more often secondary and compulsive. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:778-792).

Profiles of exercise dependence symptoms in Ironman participants

ObjectiveTo identify distinct profiles of Ironman participants based on levels of exercise dependence, and examine whether these profiles differed in relation to eating patterns and psychological distress. DesignCross-sectional survey study of 345 Ironman participants in Australia. Main outcome measuresExercise dependence symptoms were assessed via the Exercise Dependence Scale. Eating patterns were assessed via the three-factor eating questionnaire, and psychological distress measured using the Kessler 6 scale. ResultsLatent profile analysis identified five distinct profiles based on responses to the Exercise Dependence Scale, which were labelled: Asymptomatic; Time Committed; Low psychological dependence; Symptomatic; and At-risk. The At-risk and Symptomatic profiles had less healthy eating patterns and higher psychological distress compared with the other profiles. ConclusionsThese findings suggest important individual differences in the nature and severity of exercise dependence symptoms in Ironman participants. The majority of Ironman participants appeared to have a healthy involvement with Ironman. However, approximately 30% of Ironman participants belonged to the At-risk and Symptomatic profiles, which could reflect maladaptive patterns of exercise.

Do Regular Exercises Cause Exercise Dependence Symptom on Sedentaries?

The aim of this study was to investigate the exercise dependence syhmptom on individuals who do exercise regularly as nonathlete. Totally 123 individuals (32 female, 91male, mean age 28,2±16,2 years, exercise mean age 7,7,±6,2 years) participated in to the study voluntary. Data collected by using demographic survey sheet and Exercise Dependence Scale-21 which was developed by Hausenblas and Downs (2002) and adapted in to Turkish by Yeltepe and Ikizler (2007). SPSS used for analysis. Analysis showed that; %1,6 of participant were dependence, %84,1 of participant was symptomatic and %14,2 of participants were asymptomatic. In addition there were significant differences between groups according to weekly exercise frequency, exercise age and total dependence scale point. There was positive but low correlation with total exercise dependence score and weekly exercise frequency and daily exercise duration. On the other hand it is found that there was negative but low correlation with total exercise dependence score and age. According to findings it is possible to say that if losing control of weekly exercise frequency and daily exercise duration exercise dependence symptoms may occur among sedentaries.

FACTORIAL VALIDITY OF THE KOREAN VERSION OF THE EXERCISE DEPENDENCE SCALE-REVISED.

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the 21-item Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R). The EDS-R was designed to measure the multidimensional aspects of exercise dependence symptoms such as withdrawal, continuance, tolerance, lack of control, reductions, time, and intention. Although the EDS-R has demonstrated sound psychometric properties, it has only been validated in Western samples. Cross-cultural validations of the instrument may increase the knowledge of exercise dependence. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to the file by investigating the validity and utility of the construct of the EDS-R, using a non-Western sample. 402 adult participants who were over 18 years of age and who reported exercising at least once a week were asked to complete the EDS-R. The results from factor analyses supported that the seven-factor model of exercise dependence symptoms showed an adequate fit for both men and women. The EDS-R scores differentiated between samples, with varying amounts of exercise; 15.4% of the sample was classified as being at risk for exercise dependence. In sum, the results indicated that the EDS-R is a psychometrically reliable assessment tool for exercise dependence symptoms in Korea.

Eating disorder risk, exercise dependence, and body weight dissatisfaction among female nutrition and exercise science university majors.

Background and AimsPast research has examined eating disorder risk among college students majoring in Nutrition and has suggested an increased risk, while other studies contradict these results. Exercise Science majors, however, have yet to be fully examined regarding their risk for eating disorders and exercise dependence. Based on pressures to fit the image associated with careers related to these two disciplines, research is warranted to examine the potential risk for both eating disorder and exercise dependence. The purpose of this study is to compare eating disorder risk, exercise dependence, and body weight dissatisfaction (BWD) between Nutrition and Exercise Science majors, compared to students outside of these career pathways.MethodsParticipants (n = 89) were divided into three groups based on major; Nutrition majors (NUTR; n = 31), Exercise Science majors (EXSC; n = 30), and other majors (CON; n = 28). Participants were given the EAT-26 questionnaire and the Exercise Dependence Scale. BWD was calculated as the discrepancy between actual BMI and ideal BMI.ResultsThe majority of participants expressed a desire to weigh less (83%) and EXSC had significantly (p = .03) greater BWD than NUTR. However, there were no significant differences in eating disorder risk or exercise dependence among majors.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study suggested there was no significant difference in eating disorder risk or exercise dependence between the three groups (NUTR, EXSC, and CON).

Disordered eating behavior among group fitness instructors: a health-threatening secret?

BackgroundThe present study aimed to examine disordered eating behavior (DE) and self-reported eating disorders (ED) among Norwegian group fitness instructors.MethodsGroup fitness instructors from Norway (n = 685 females and 152 males, response rate: 57 %) completed an online survey. The survey included the instruments Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) and the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS).ResultsA total of 22 % of the male and 59 % of the female respondents were classified with DE. The respondents classified with DE had higher BMI, more weight loss attempts, and higher total EDI score compared to the respondents with no DE. A correlation between EDI total score and EDS total score was found among both male and female group fitness instructors. No males and four percent of the females reported having a current ED. The instructors with self-reported current ED had higher weekly volume of instructing classes compared to the other instructors. None of the respondents with self-reported ED had informed their center manager about it.ConclusionThe high prevalence of DE behavior calls for concern. The reported secrecy regarding self-reported ED might decrease the possibility for early recognition and intervention. The findings reveal implications for the instructors’ physical and mental health, for their reputation and impact as important healthy role models and health/fitness authorities, and for the importance of prevention, identification and management of such behavior in fitness center settings.

Exercise addiction: an emergent behavioral disorder

Regular physical activity plays a relevant role in health maintenance and disease prevention. However, excess exercise may generate adverse effects both on physical and mental activity. To provide a state-of-the-art overview on exercise addiction, considering its concept, symptoms, diagnosis, epidemiological aspects, etiological factors, and potential interventions. Articles related to the topic were reviewed through Pubmed, Sportdiscus, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science databases, using combinations of the following keywords: "exercise", "addiction" and "dependence". Regular exercise taken into excess may result in adverse health consequences and quality of life impairment. Diagnosis of exercise addiction requires the employment of questionnaires such as the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS) and the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI). These instruments have allowed the estimation of a 3% prevalence among exercise practitioners. Proposed hypotheses to explain the etiology of this disorder include both physiological and psychological mechanisms. Treatment is based on the cognitive-behavioral approach, but effectiveness needs to be evaluated. Although different hypotheses have been proposed to explain exercise dependence, integrative models are still necessary. A clinical validation of diagnostic instruments and a deepening into the relationship with behavioral eating disorders are also required.

Dependencia al ejercicio físico e indicadores del estado de ánimo en deportistas universitarios

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la prevalencia de la dependenciaal ejercicio fisico en deportistas universitarios; analizar las diferenciasen funcion del sexo, modalidad deportiva y tiempo de entrenamiento.Ademas, analizar su relacion y sensibilidad con los estados de animo. Participaron255 estudiantes (212 hombres y 43 mujeres) con edades comprendidasentre los 18 y 43 anos (M = 21,25; DT = 4,28). Se administro la versionespanola de la “Escala de Dependencia del Ejercicio- Revisada” (EDS-R;Sicilia y Gonzalez, 2011) y el Profile of Mood States (POMS; McNair,Lorr y Droppleman, 1971). Los resultados mostraron una dependencia alejercicio fisico representada en un 6% de los participantes del estudio, sindiferencias estadisticamente significativas en funcion del sexo o modalidaddeportiva. En cuanto al tiempo de entrenamiento si aparecieron diferencias,siendo los que presentaban alta dedicacion los que presentaban mayoressintomas de dependencia al ejercicio fisico, frente a los que presentaban unadedicacion saludable. La dependencia al ejercicio se relaciono con un perfildel estado de animo de tension, depresion, colera, fatiga y debilidad. Losresultados han permitido identificar caracteristicas del proceso de dependenciadel ejercicio e indicadores psicologicos que permiten detectar signosdel trastorno, mediante la evaluacion psicologica durante los periodos deentrenamiento, para prevenir el desarrollo completo del problema.

Does the German version of the Exercise Dependence Scale measure exercise dependence?

ObjectiveTo examine the concordance of a questionnaire-based categorization as ‘at-risk for exercise dependence’ and an interview-based diagnosis of exercise dependence. DesignOne hundred thirty four subjects answered the German version of the Exercise Dependence Scale-21 (EDS-G). They were also assessed with a structured clinical interview for exercise dependence. MethodThe congruence between the questionnaire-based categorizations of ‘at-risk for exercise dependence’ and the diagnosis of exercise dependence based on the interview was examined using κ-coefficients. ResultThe agreement between questionnaire-based and interview-based diagnoses was fair to moderate with more false positive categorization based on the EDS-G. ConclusionAssuming that a structured clinical interview allows a more accurate diagnostic categorization, the EDS-G might overestimate the prevalence of exercise dependence.

Exercise dependence and muscle dysmorphia in novice and experienced female bodybuilders.

Extensive research has shown that male bodybuilders are at high risk for exercise dependence, but few studies have measured these variables in female bodybuilders. Prior research has postulated that muscular dysmorphia was more prevalent in men than women, but several qualitative studies of female bodybuilders have indicated that female bodybuilders show the same body image concerns. Only one study has compared female bodybuilders with control recreational female lifters on eating behaviors, body image, shape pre-occupation, body dissatisfaction, and steroid use. The purpose of this study was to compare exercise dependence and muscle dysmorphia measures between groups of female weight lifters. Seventy-four female lifters were classified into three lifting types (26 expert bodybuilders, 10 or more competitions; 29 novice bodybuilders, 3 or less competitions; and 19 fitness lifters, at least 6 months prior lifting) who each completed a demographic questionnaire, the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), the Drive for Thinness scale (DFT) of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, the Bodybuilding Dependence Scale (BDS), and the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI). Female bodybuilders scored higher than fitness lifters for EDS Total, BDS Training and Social Dependence, and on Supplement Use, Dietary Behavior, Exercise Dependence, and Size Symmetry scales of the MDI. Female bodybuilders seem to be more at risk for exercise dependence and muscle dysmorphia symptoms than female recreational weight lifters.

Pathological motivations for exercise and eating disorder specific health‐related quality of life

To examine associations among pathological motivations for exercise with eating disorder (ED) specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Survey data assessing ED severity (i.e., Eating Disorder Diagnostic Survey), ED specific HRQOL (i.e., Eating Disorders Quality of Life Instrument), and pathological motivations for exercise (i.e., Exercise Dependence Scale) were collected from female students (N = 387) at seven universities throughout the United States. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations among exercise dependence, ED-specific HRQOL and ED severity, and the interaction of exercise dependence and ED severity on HRQOL scores. The overall model examining the impact of ED severity and exercise dependence (independent variables) on HRQOL (dependent variable) was significant and explained 16.1% of the variance in HRQOL scores. Additionally, the main effects for ED severity and exercise dependence and the interaction among ED severity and exercise dependence were significant, suggesting that the combined effects of ED severity and exercise dependence significantly impacts HRQOL. Our results suggest that pathological motivations for exercise may exacerbate ED's detrimental impact on HRQOL. Our results offer one possible insight into why exercise may be associated with deleterious effects on ED HRQOL. Future research is needed to elucidate the relationship among psychological aspects of exercise, ED, and HRQOL.

The role of age, gender, mood states and exercise frequency on exercise dependence.

The purpose of our study was to explore the prevalence, and the role of mood, exercise frequency, age, and gender differences of exercise dependence. Regular exercisers (N = 409) completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Exercise Dependence Scale, and the Profile of Mood States. For data analyses, the participants were stratified for sex and age (age ranges = young adults: 18-24 years, adults: 25-44 years, and middle-aged adults: 45-64 years). We found that: (a) 4.4% of the participants were classified as at-risk for exercise dependence; (b) the men and the two younger groups (i.e., young adults and adults) had higher exercise dependence scores; and (c) age, gender, exercise frequency, and mood state were related to exercise dependence. Our results support previous research on the prevalence of exercise dependence and reveal that adulthood may be the critical age for developing exercise dependence. These findings have practical implication for identifying individuals at-risk for exercise dependence symptoms, and may aid in targeting and guiding the implementation of prevention program for adults.

Vigorexia e níveis de dependência de exercício em frequentadores de academias e fisiculturistas

INTRODUÇÃO: Atualmente, a aparência é sinônimo de sucesso, saúde e determinação. De modo que a sociedade moderna oprima os indivíduos a seguir padrões estereotipados de beleza. E como herança dessa sociedade capitalista e egoísta surgem os transtornos psíquicos da aparência e as dependências psíquicas a eles associadas. OBJETIVOS: i) comparar os níveis de vigorexia e de dependência ao exercício entre frequentadores de academias e fisiculturistas; ii) relacionar as variáveis de prática de exercício físico (tempo de prática, frequência semanal e duração por sessão) com as dimensões de frequência de vigorexia e de dependência ao exercício; e, iii) comparar os níveis de vigorexia segundo grupos de dependência ao exercício (dependentes ou em risco, não dependente sintomático e não dependente assintomático). MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída por 151 frequentadores de academia (27,66 ± 6,54 anos e 27,56 ± 5,03 de IMC) e 25 fisiculturistas (30,80 ± 5,54 anos e 26,72 ± 4,24 de IMC), todos do sexo masculino. Os participantes responderam à Escala de Dependência ao Exercício e ao Inventário de Dismorfia Muscular. A análise estatística envolveu procedimentos de análise descritiva, normalidade univariada, comparativa e correlacional. RESULTADOS: Os principais resultados evidenciaram: i) não existir diferenças entre frequentadores de academias e fisiculturistas quanto aos níveis de vigorexia e de dependência ao exercício; ii) que a duração da sessão de treino se correlaciona positivamente com a maioria das dimensões da dependência ao exercício; e, iii) que o grupo classificado como dependente ou em risco revela níveis médios superiores de vigorexia. CONCLUSÃO: Por fim, constatou-se que tanto nos fisiculturistas como nos frequentadores de academias, quanto maior o nível de vigorexia, maior o nível de dependência ao exercício, sendo essa correlação maior em fisiculturistas.

Prevalence of eating disorder attitudes among men and women with exercise dependence symptoms: a non-athlete population study

The present study sought to describe the prevalence of Secondary Exercise Dependence (ScED, i.e. eating disorders attitudes along with exercise dependence symptoms) may differ between men and women in a broader exercising population. In this study, 174 regularly exerciser, aged 18-62 years old, who were invited to respond the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). There were more women than men with ScED. However, only men in the sample presented exercise dependence symptoms without eating disorders attitudes. Eating disorders may or may not exist in those who are exercise dependent in the broad exercising population, although there is a higher prevalence of ScED in women than men.