Abstract

JAUREGUI LOBERA, Ignacio; ESTEBANEZ HUMANES, Sonia  and  SANTIAGO FERNANDEZ, María José. Physical activity, eating behavior, and pathology. ALAN [online]. 2008, vol.58, n.3, pp.280-285. ISSN 0004-0622.

Intense physical activity has been reported in patients with eating disorders, and hyperactivity can be found in more than 80% in severe stages. The beginning of food restriction occurs at earlier ages if there is an intense physical activity; body dissatisfaction is more intense among patients who practice exercise; and the presence of intense activity in anorexia nervosa usually precedes to the restrictive diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of exercise at the beginning of the eating disorder, and to analyze possible differences in the kind of exercise, according to age, sex and diagnostic subgroups. In order to evaluate the exercise 745 patients were assessed by the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE). The presence of physical activity (driving to caloric consumption, weight loss or modification of body shape), kind of activity, and its intensity were considered. Only the presence of moderate or high intensity clearly related with the mentioned objectives was considered. 407 patients (54,63%) engaged in exercise: 68,96% with anorexia, 68,96% with bulimia, and 34,73% with other non-specified eating disorders. There were not significant differences between men and women. Hyperactivity was the most frequent (47,42%), followed by gym activity (25,79%). Taking into account the different clinic subgroups, we could observe significant differences. To assess eating disorders, a correct evaluation of the physical activity should be necessary in order to include this aspect in treatment programs.

Keywords : Phisical activity; restrictive eating; anorexia; bulimia.