Eating disorders increase risk for exercise addiction
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Individuals with an eating disorder are nearly four times more likely to experience exercise addiction than those without one, according to results of a comparative meta-analysis published in Eating and Weight Disorders.
“This finding concurs with several primary studies and practitioners in that subjects with eating disorders should have exercise levels monitored closely; however, since this study used nonclinical populations, it suggests that there is a strong relationship between exercise habits and pathological eating,” Mike Trott, PhD student at Anglia Ruskin University in England, told Healio Psychiatry. “It is possible that prescreening for pathological exercise behavior could preclude a person developing an eating disorder, and vice versa.”
Trott and colleagues noted that prior research has reported an association between exercise addiction and multiple adverse outcomes, including bone fractures, increased anxiety, the detriment of social relationships and financial debt. This form of addiction can be classified as co-occurring with an eating disorder or as a primary condition with no indication of eating disorders, they wrote. In the present study, the researchers explored the prevalence of exercise addiction in adults with and without indicated eating disorders.
They conducted a systematic review of grey literature and major databases, specifically looking at studies that reported on exercise addiction prevalence among these two populations, and they also conducted a random effect meta-analysis to calculate ORs for exercise addiction.
The researchers included nine studies with a total sample of 2,140 participants with a mean age of 25.06, of which 70.6% were female. Of these participants, 1,732 did not show indicated eating disorders and 408 had indicated eating disorders. They found that the OR for exercise addiction in those with vs. those without indicated eating disorders was 3.71 (95% CI, 2-6.89). According to the measurement instrument used, exercise addiction prevalence differed in both populations.
“We postulated that there was going to be an increased risk but were surprised with the magnitude of the results, and even more surprised by the lack of studies we found, indicating that this is an under-researched area,” Trott said. – by Joe Gramigna
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.