The Effect of Physical Activity on Eating Disorders and Overall Health

Background: This review article aims to explore the effects of exercise on eating disorders from a broad perspective, considering both potential benefits and risks.

Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using various databases and a range of keywords, including "eating disorders," "wellness," "physical activity," and "overall health." It was intended to ensure that the search was as inclusive as possible, and therefore several different terms have been included. The review included a variety of study types, such as randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews, to ensure a comprehensive and diverse range of evidence, in line with the best practice for such a review. To ensure a comprehensive and diverse range of evidence, the inclusion criteria for this review were established to filter studies that assess the relationship among "eating disorders," "wellness," "physical activity," and "overall health.". After careful consideration, a total of 21 studies were selected for inclusion in this review. This review aims to shed light on the relationship among eating disorders, wellness, physical activity, and overall health. To ensure the quality and relevance of the selected studies, we limited the search to peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2005 and 2024.

Results: The effects of exercise on eating disorders and general health have become a topic of increasing interest in recent years, and many methods have been tried in the treatment of this problem. Exercise is often recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle, but its role in the context of eating disorders is complex and multifaceted.

Conclusion: Developing a detailed perspective on how regular physical activity can affect eating disorder symptoms and general health outcomes will help to understand the impact of exercise on healthy living.

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve abnormal eating habits, distorted body image, and a fixation on weight and shape. The most common types are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These disorders not only affect mental wellbeing but also have significant effects on physical health (Ágh, et al., 2016). It is widely acknowledged that maintaining regular physical activity habits is of significant benefit in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity across all age groups, including children and adolescents (Oral et al., 2023). When used appropriately, exercise can also play a very effective role in the management and recovery process of eating disorders. It is thought that individuals with eating disorders, which can be caused by a number of factors including genetics, the environment and psychology, may engage in certain behaviors such as excessive exercise, restricted eating or binge eating. This could be driven by the desire to control weight and body image (Williams, 2016). It is therefore important to approach exercise with care and guidance to avoid exacerbating the harmful effects of eating disorders (Joy, Kussman and Nattiv, 2016; Wells et al., 2020).

It would be beneficial to consider the social and emotional functioning of individuals with eating disorders, a topic that has been extensively investigated through empirical research. In their 2012 study, Treasure et al. put forth a three-stage model, suggesting that social interactions and emotional responses may potentially play a role in the development and progression of eating disorders. They suggest that these factors may be worth considering in clinical settings. In the context of sociocultural, psychological, and biological research on individuals with eating disorders, it is hoped that this model will provide a useful framework for understanding how social contexts may contribute to or alleviate the distress associated with eating disorders (Culbert, Racine, & Klump, 2015; Treasure et al., 2012). 

In addition to emotional and social factors, it seems that neurobiological underpinnings may also play an important role in the regulation of emotions and eating behaviors. Etkin et al. (2015) offers insights into the neural basis of emotion regulation, which may provide valuable information about how brain function may influence emotional responses and, in turn, eating behaviors (Etkin et al., 2015). This understanding could be beneficial for developing pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions that target specific neurobiological pathways involved in eating disorders and may offer new perspectives for addressing these problems (Camacho-Barcia et al., 2024).

The role of exercise in the context of eating disorders is recognized as a complex and multifaceted issue, and while exercise is generally considered beneficial for physical and mental health, its impact on individuals with eating disorders can vary significantly. Systematic comprehensive literature reviews have investigated the effects of exercise on eating disorders and general health, aiming to evaluate a wide range of studies to provide a detailed and clear understanding of this relationship (Mathisen et al., 2018).

It is thought that such positive emotions associated with exercise may help to counteract the negative thoughts and behaviors often experienced by individuals with eating disorders. It might be helpful for individuals with eating disorders to explore mindful and intuitive exercise practices such as yoga and Pilates (Costin & Kelly, 2016). It is thought that these activities can help to emphasize body awareness, self-compassion and stress reduction. Mindful exercise encourages individuals to listen to their bodies, respect their physical boundaries and engage in activities that bring them joy, rather than focusing solely on burning calories or losing weight (Butera & Kreatsoulas, 2018).

A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using a range of databases, including the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scopus, EBSCO, MEDLINE, DRJI (Directory of Research Journal Indexing), Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Sport Discus. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, some key search terms were selected for the search, including "eating disorders," "wellness," "physical activity," and "overall health." In addition, further relevant literature was identified through the examination of reference lists derived from the data searches. To focus on the most relevant results, the search was limited to peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2005 and 2024. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship among eating disorders, wellness, physical activity, and overall health, it was necessary to meet certain criteria. Firstly, the relationship among eating disorders, wellness, physical activity, and overall health had to be examined. Secondly, the studies had to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Thirdly, the studies had to be in English. Following a rigorous selection process, 25 studies were chosen to be included in this review.

It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the significant public health concern that eating disorders (EDs) represent globally. They have the potential to impact individuals' physical health, psychological well-being, and social functioning. EDs are characterized by abnormal eating habits and severe disturbances in body image. They encompass a range of conditions, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (Volpe et al., 2015; Zaccagnino et al., 2018). The complex nature of these disorders presents a challenge in both diagnosis and treatment. It also highlights the importance of a comprehensive understanding of their impact on quality of life, overall health and well-being (Doll, Petersen & Stewart-Brown, 2005; Jenkins et al., 2011). Recent literature has brought to light the significant implications of eating disorders that extend beyond mere weight fluctuations or dietary restrictions. For instance, Christensen and Haynos (2020) suggest that interpersonal emotion regulation may play a significant role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders, and that emotional dysregulation may be a core feature across various EDs (Christensen & Haynos, 2020). It is important to consider this perspective, as it shifts the focus from individual behaviors to the relational dynamics that may contribute to the exacerbation of these conditions (Quesnel et al., 2023).

The relationship between emotion regulation and eating pathology has been further elucidated through meta-analyses, such as that conducted by Prefit et al. (2019). Their findings reveal that difficulties in emotion regulation are prevalent across various eating disorders, underscoring the necessity for targeted interventions that enhance emotional skills as part of treatment strategies (Prefit et al., 2019). A comprehensive understanding of these emotional dynamics is crucial for developing efficacious therapeutic approaches that can mitigate the impact of eating disorders on individuals' lives (Wilson, Grilo & Vitousek, 2007).

Furthermore, research suggests that impulsivity, both emotional and non-emotional, may play a significant role in the development of eating disorders. Mallorquí-Bagué et al. (2020) examine how various aspects of impulsivity contribute to the range of eating disorders, demonstrating the intricate relationship between emotional states and eating behaviors (Mallorquí-Bagué et al., 2020). This complexity highlights the need for a thoughtful and multifaceted approach to treatment that considers both the psychological and behavioral aspects of eating disorders.

It seems that exercise may play a role in improving psychological well-being among individuals with eating disorders. It is thought that engaging in physical activity may help to release endorphins, which are the brain's natural "feel-good" chemicals (Cullen, 2023; Oral eta al., 2024). This could potentially help to reduce feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. It is also thought that regular exercise can help to enhance body satisfaction, boost self-confidence, and promote a positive body image (Derenne & Beresin, 2018; Shang, Xie & Yang, 2021).

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can be characterized by a number of different factors, including abnormal eating habits, distorted body image, and a preoccupation with weight and shape. It is thought that anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the most common types. It is important to note that these disorders not only affect an individual's psychological well-being, but also have the potential to significantly impact physical health. When used in a suitable manner, exercise can play a notable role in the general management and recovery from eating disorders. It is thought that eating disorders often have a number of different causes, including genetic, environmental and psychological factors. It is not uncommon for individuals with eating disorders to engage in certain behaviors, such as excessive exercise, restricted eating, or binge eating. It seems that these behaviors may be driven by a desire to control weight, shape, or body image. It is important to note, however, that an excessive focus on exercise can potentially exacerbate the harmful effects of eating disorders if not approached with the necessary care and guidance. It is becoming increasingly recognized that exercise has the potential to be an important component of eating disorder treatment, particularly in terms of its benefits for physical and mental health. It is a common misconception that exercise is harmful for individuals with eating disorders. In fact, the opposite is true. Alternatively, it can be employed as a means of fostering a positive body image, bolstering self-esteem, and promoting overall well-being.

It would be beneficial to consider incorporating exercise into the treatment plans of individuals with eating disorders in an appropriate manner. It would be beneficial to consider a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychologists, and dietitians, to develop individualized exercise programs. It would be beneficial for these programs to focus on promoting a healthy relationship with exercise, emphasizing moderation, and avoiding excessive or compulsive behaviors. Regular physical activity, when incorporated into eating disorder treatment, can have numerous positive effects on physical health. Regular physical activity can help improve cardiovascular fitness, enhance bone density, and strengthen muscles. It can also aid in weight restoration, as individuals with eating disorders often experience muscle wasting and bone loss. Additionally, exercise can contribute to a more regulated metabolism, improved sleep patterns, and increased energy levels. It is important to consider the potential risks and challenges associated with incorporating exercise into eating disorder treatment, while also recognizing its potential benefits. It is possible that excessive exercise driven by unhealthy motivations or compulsions could have negative consequences. For example, it might prevent individuals from recovering and continuing their disordered eating behaviors. It may be helpful to plan exercise duration and intensity with scientific methods and ensure a careful balance of exercise. This could help to ensure that exercise is used as a positive tool rather than a harmful coping mechanism.

As a conclusion, it appears that exercise, when approached with caution and integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan, may have a beneficial effect on the overall health of individuals with eating disorders. It seems that regular exercise may offer a number of potential benefits, both physical and psychological, which could contribute to an improved sense of well-being and recovery. It may be helpful to consider that moderate exercise and guidance from a health professional could potentially play a role in preventing the continuation of disordered eating behaviors. It is thought that individuals with eating disorders who adopt a balanced and mindful exercise prescription may benefit from the power of exercise for a healthier and happier life.

Acknowledgment

We would like to express our special thanks to Dr. George N. NOMIKOS for his very successful contribution to the literature research process and unique academic support in the publication during the process of this review article.

Conflict of interest

The author certifies that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.

Funding

The author certifies that there is no funding from any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript or contributions:

Author contributions

All the authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.