Momentary predictors of weight-motivated exercise among female collegiate athletes

Female collegiate athletes' eating disorder (ED) risk may be challenging to detect given their frequent and intense exercise engagement, a characteristic weight-control ED behavior. Thus, assessing reasons for motivation to exercise and satisfaction with exercise, e.g., burning calories, and cognitive-affective predictors of these outcomes, may elucidate ED risk in this population. Forty-five female collegiate athletes completed a 2-week ecological momentary assessment protocol measuring study variables. Elevated fear of weight gain was prospectively associated with 61% increased odds of weight-motivated exercise and 47% increased odds of weight-based satisfaction with exercise. Additionally, body dissatisfaction was prospectively associated with 52% increased odds of subsequent weight-motivated exercise. However, confidence intervals (CIs) contained the null, reflecting limited precision. Weight-motivated exercise significantly predicted a 7-fold increase in odds of subsequent weight-based satisfaction with exercise. In summary, participants may be more likely to endorse weight-based motivation for exercise after higher levels of fear of weight gain and body dissatisfaction, though replication is needed. Further, the link between weight-focused cognitions preceding and succeeding exercise may illuminate how weight-focused exercise is reinforced.