Characterizing reasons for exercise in binge-spectrum eating disorders
Elizabeth W Lampe1, Claire Trainor1, Emily K Presseller1
1Center for Weight Eating and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center), Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Psychology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Eating Behaviors
|August 28, 2021
Summary
Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) often engage in maladaptive exercise. Most exercise episodes were driven by shape/weight control or feeling compelled, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for disordered eating and exercise.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders Research
Background:
- Eating disorders (EDs) are frequently associated with maladaptive exercise patterns.
- Existing research lacks understanding of the momentary and varied reasons individuals with EDs exercise.
- Identifying exercise motivations is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the momentary reasons for exercise in adults with binge-spectrum EDs.
- To determine the prevalence and nature of maladaptive exercise episodes.
- To explore the variability of exercise motivations within individuals.
Main Methods:
- Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to collect data over 7-14 days.
- Participants (N=58) with binge-spectrum EDs reported reasons for each exercise episode.
- Exercise episodes were classified as maladaptive if linked to compensatory eating or feeling driven.
Main Results:
- The majority of exercise episodes (73%) were classified as maladaptive.
- Primary reasons included controlling shape/weight (67.2%), feeling driven (62.9%), and routine (52.9%).
- Participants reported multiple reasons (mean=3.6) per exercise episode, with significant within-individual variability.
Conclusions:
- Exercise in individuals with EDs is frequently maladaptive and driven by specific motivations.
- The reasons for exercise can be both adaptive and maladaptive within the same individual.
- Further research is needed to understand the nuances of adaptive and maladaptive exercise in EDs.
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