Relation Between Obligatory Exercise and Eating Disorders    

Bonnie J. Behm, PhD, RD;  John J. Steffen, PhD 

Objective: To determine the prevalence of eating-disordered cognitions and behaviors among adolescent obligatory exercisers. Methods: 250 adolescents (133 females) completed the Obligatory Exercise (OE) Questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Inventory, and a demographic survey. Results: Obligatory exercisers displayed more eating-disordered attitudes and traits than did nonobligatory exercises. (Drive for Thinness [r=.28, p<.001], Bulimia [r=.20, p<.002], Perfectionism [r=.18, p<.004]. Conclusion: Adolescent obligatory exercisers share several characteristics with those who have anorexia nervosa and bulimia. OE should be viewed, at least, as an occasional comorid condition with serious eating disorders.

Am J Health Behav 1998;22(2):108-119