Predictors of excessive exercise in anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to replicate and amalgamate findings from previous research into a comprehensive regression model predicting excessive exercise in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN).


METHODS
Participants were 153 patients admitted to an inpatient treatment program for AN. Excessive exercise status was defined as a minimum of 1 hour of obligatory exercise aimed at controlling shape and weight, 6 days per week in the month before admission.


RESULTS
Thirty-four percent (n = 52) of participants met criteria for excessive exercise. A logistic regression was conducted with excessive exercise status as the dependent variable and a number of variables previously found to be predictors of excessive exercise entered as independent variables on the same step. The overall regression model was statistically significant (P < .0005) and explained 31% of the variance in exercise status. Higher levels of dietary restraint (P = .03), depression (P = .04), and self-esteem (P = .02); lower levels of obsessive-compulsive symptomatology (P = .04); and the restricting subtype of AN (P = .03) were significantly associated with excessive exercise.


CONCLUSIONS
Excessive exercise is associated with a number of independent psychologic and behavioral variables, some that suggest a negative impact and others that suggest positive effects.
Department of Psychiatry, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C4.
Carmen V
CV
Bewell-Weiss
Jacqueline C
JC
Carter
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult