Physical exercise and sports in eating disorders

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is recognized as a key aspect in the prevention and treatment of psychological problems. PA recommendations to maintain and improve mental health were recently updated. Despite the fact that PA can be pivotal in interventions to prevent and treat eating disorders (ED), the role and dose of PA for this purpose are unknown. The papers analyzed in this review highlight the importance of PA in intervention programs to prevent and treat ED. Emerging evidence suggests that the PA we enjoy practicing, considered important and chosen, is associated with a positive effect on mental health, while the PA performed out of a feeling of guilt, pressure or a feeling of being forced to do it is associated with a negative effect. This review highlights that the evidence available is limited to suggest a harmful impact of PA in primary prevention interventions for eating disorders and suggests practical recommendations for future interventions as well as recommendations for future research.