Over-exercising in anorexic and normal samples: Behaviour and attitudes

Abstract

Exercise, attitudes, motivation and behaviour were compared in groups of female anorexic patients and groups of males and females without eating disorders. The anorexic group were significantly more hyperactive, exercised more frequently and engaged in a wider variety of exercise behaviours. They were also more likely to exercise in secret and were more compulsive about exercising. They displayed a ‘negative addiction’ to exercise, and gave control of their negative mood states as their major reason for undertaking it. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results are discussed.