Study: Exercise Addiction is Almost Four Times More Prevalent Among People with Eating Disorders

There exists a strong correlation between exercise addiction and eating disorders, according to the findings of a study published in the journal Eating and Weight Disorders.

In this systematic review study, researchers combed through major databases and grey literature from inception to March 4, 2019. They identified nine studies reporting prevalence of exercise addiction with and without indicated eating disorders in 2,140 adults (mean age, 25, 70.6% female). They used a random effect meta-analysis to assess the data, and calculated odds ratios for exercise addiction with vs. without indicated eating disorders.

According to the results of the study, 1,732 participants did not show indicated eating disorders and 408 had indicated eating disorders. The odds ratio for exercise addiction in populations with versus without indicated eating disorders was nearly four times higher at 3.71 (95% CI, 2.00 to 6.89; I² = 81; p ≤ 0.001). Exercise addiction prevalence in both populations differed according to the measurement instrument used.

‘An Unhealthy Relationship with Exercise’

“It is known that those with eating disorders are more likely to display addictive personality and obsessive-compulsive behaviors,” said Mike Trott, PhD, and lead researcher of this study in a press release.  “We are also aware that having an unhealthy relationship with food often means an increased amount of exercising, but this is the first time that a risk factor has been calculated.”

Eating disorders linked to exercise addiction

Exercise addiction is almost four times as common in those with eating disorders.https://t.co/nWKYtt89FP

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“Our study shows that displaying signs of an eating disorder significantly increases the chance of an unhealthy relationship with exercise, and this can have negative consequences, including mental health issues and injury,” Dr. Trott continued.

He added that: “Health professionals working with people with eating disorders should consider monitoring exercise levels as a priority, as this group have been shown to suffer from serious medical conditions as a result of excessive exercise, such as fractures, increased rates of cardiovascular disease in younger patients, and increased overall mortality.”

Eating disorders linked to exercise addiction: Study https://t.co/XKMJj2sVj0

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“Eating disorders linked to exercise addiction: Study” https://t.co/zn9uNWICoE

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