‘Excessive Exercise’ and Eating-Disordered Behaviour in Young Adult Women: Further Evidence from a Primary Care Sample

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: In order to replicate findings from previous community-based research, conducted in Australia, in a different sample, we examined relationships between exercise behaviour, eating-disordered behaviour and quality of life among young adult women attending one of two primary care facilities in the upper Midwest region of the United States.

RESULTS: A high level of guilt when exercise is missed was associated with markedly elevated levels of eating disorder psychopathology and significantly reduced quality of life. The combination of exercising solely for weight and shape and intense guilt after missing exercise was associated with very high levels of eating disorder psychopathology, comparable to those of individuals seeking specialist treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide further evidence that where young adult women experience intense guilt when exercise is missed, high levels of eating disorder psychopathology and poor quality of life can be expected, particularly when exercising solely for weight or shape reasons is also reported. Information to this effect should be included in both eating disorder and obesity prevention programmes.