Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder associated with intentionally under-eating and obsessing over weight loss. Usually, this leads to individuals not adequately fueling their bodies and sustaining general health. Research has shown a strong connection between abnormal physical activity levels and those diagnosed with anorexia, a slightly different trend than other mental health disorders.
Similar brain activity occurs when individuals engage in excess activity and have anorexia, which explains their close connection.
(Achamrah & Déchelotte, 2016)
Certain social and sports performance environments also make anorexia more pervasive. This is especially seen in competitive sports that focus on body weight and composition, like wrestling, gymnastics, and bodybuilding.
Since those who have anorexia tend to over-exercise during their recovery process, it is essential to monitor their physical activity levels. Some clinicians suggest cutting out physical activity entirely. However, newer research suggests that physical activity during recovery benefits patients' bone health, body composition, general mood, and anxiety management. During this process, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and follow a physical activity protocol catered to one's needs.
(Udo & Grilo, 2020)
Bulimia Nervosa
According to the American Psychological Association, bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder involving periods of binge-eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (self-induced vomiting), excessive exercise, or fasting.
When it comes to bulimia nervosa, using physical activity as a non-compensatory (not impulsive) method of therapy can be tricky.
This is because many patients that are diagnosed as bulimic are more than likely already active, but for the wrong reasons. A patient with a healthy psychopathy might exercise to better their health or gain strength, whereas a bulimic patient engages in physical activity, usually in excess, to try and "compensate" for the foods they have eaten. A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice concluded that engaging in non-compulsive/compensatory physical activity was associated with lower eating-disorder psychopathy, lower overvaluation of shape/weight, and higher satisfaction with shape/weight (Kerrigan et al., 2019). Being able to differentiate a healthy physical activity program vs. compulsatory physical behaviors can help those struggling with bulimia nervosa to engage in physical activity for the benefit of their health.
Binge-Eating
Disorder
Binge-eating disorder or BED is one of the most common eating disorders in the United States. It is characterized by eating large quantities of food in a short time frame at least twice a week , a feeling of loss of control during the time of the binge, and feelings of shame or guilt and distress. With BED one does not use unhealthy compensatory behaviors such as purging once the binge is complete.
Binge-eating disorder can be associated with an underlying depressive or anxiety disorder as it is unusual to find it as a stand alone diagnosis.
This is because patients who are diagnosed with binge-eating disorder are already triggered by their lack of positive self image, weight, lifestyle factors, and feelings of depression. A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice concluded that non‐compensatory physical activity was significantly associated with frequency of binge eating in addition to overvaluation and dissatisfaction with shape/weight (Kerrigan et al., 2019).
By recognizing that a patient may have BED, treatments can include cognitive behavioral therapy, seeking help from a psychiatrist or psychologist, and working with a dietician to help come up with a plan for food to deter overeating. Physical activity will address the underlying depressive or anxiety disorders while the BED is addressed.