'Excessive exercise' and eating-disordered behaviour in young adult women: Further evidence from a primary care sample

Jonathan Mond*, Tricia Cook Myers, Ross Crosby, Phillipa Hay, James Mitchell

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    41 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective and Methods: In order to replicate findings from previous community-based research, conducted in Australia, in a different sample, we examined relationships between exercise behaviour, eating-disordered behaviour and quality of life among young adult women attending one of two primary care facilities in the upper Midwest region of the United States. Results: A high level of guilt when exercise is missed was associated with markedly elevated levels of eating disorder psychopathology and significantly reduced quality of life. The combination of exercising solely for weight and shape and intense guilt after missing exercise was associated with very high levels of eating disorder psychopathology, comparable to those of individuals seeking specialist treatment. Conclusions: The findings provide further evidence that where young adult women experience intense guilt when exercise is missed, high levels of eating disorder psychopathology and poor quality of life can be expected, particularly when exercising solely for weight or shape reasons is also reported. Information to this effect should be included in both eating disorder and obesity prevention programmes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)215-221
    Number of pages7
    JournalEuropean Eating Disorders Review
    Volume16
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - May 2008

    Keywords

    • Eating disorders
    • Excessive exercise
    • Quality of life

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