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Eating disorder behavior in physically active Norwegian women.
Liv Berit Augestad1, W D Flanders
1Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology Management, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway. liv.berit.augestad@svt.ntnu.no
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|August 30, 2002
Summary
Physical activity hours did not increase eating disorder (ED) risk in female students. Body mass index and specific ED Inventory scales were stronger predictors, regardless of activity level. Moderate physical training may benefit some individuals.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Competitive female athletes may face higher eating disorder (ED) risks due to body fat advantages in sports.
- Women may engage in physical activity (PA) for weight management or body shape alteration, potentially influencing ED prevalence.
- Understanding the relationship between PA levels and ED risk is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between leisure time PA and ED prevalence in female students.
- To determine if the relationship between Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) scales and ED, as defined by the Survey of Eating Disorders (SED), differs between high and low PA groups.
Main Methods:
- A community-based study involving 898 female students aged 18-50 years.
- Participants completed the EDI, SED, and a questionnaire on PA and demographics.
- Statistical analysis assessed the association between PA hours, EDI scores, and SED-defined ED diagnoses.
Main Results:
- PA was not associated with an increased risk of SED-defined ED or high EDI scores.
- Women with SED-defined ED showed higher scores on all EDI subscales but did not differ in age, BMI, or weekly PA hours.
- Body mass index (BMI) and EDI scales (drive for thinness, Bulimia Nervosa) were the strongest predictors of ED, irrespective of PA levels.
Conclusions:
- Leisure time physical activity duration does not appear to elevate the risk of developing eating disorders in female students.
- Effective interventions are necessary for individuals with body image and eating difficulties.
- Moderate physical training may offer benefits for some individuals experiencing these challenges.