Understanding Excessive Exercise as part of an Eating Disorder
4. Understanding Eating Disorders and Excessive Exercise
Let’s look more closely now at different types of eating disorders and how they may relate to exercise:
Eating disorders are complex and serious forms of mental illness. They often manifest themselves in preoccupations around food, eating, weight, shape and size and – as part of that - they often involve exercise.
As an exercise professional you don’t need to become an expert in eating disorders. However, gaining some understanding of eating disorders may help you to start a supportive conversation with someone you are concerned about within your professional role.
Task: Take a minute to think what you know regarding the following five common types of eating disorders (please note there are more) and how you think they may be connected to exercise. Select each tab below and compare your answers with the information provided by Beat Eating Disorders Charity.