Eating disorders and exercise: a structural equation modelling analysis of a conceptual model

Abstract

Objective: Despite the well-established health benefits of physical activity, the role of exercise for eating disorders (ED) is controversial; thus dictating a need for a better understanding of the mechanisms of exercise and ED. The purpose of our study was to examine a conceptual model that hypothesizes regular exercise without psychological compulsion might impart beneficial effects for preventing and treating ED.

Method: University students (N = 539) completed self-report assessments of quality of life, exercise level, ED risk and exercise dependence symptoms. Structural equation modelling analysis was undertaken to examine the conceptual model's proposed relationships.

Results: Mediation analysis and model comparison tests showed that the partially mediated model without the physical well-being latent construct fit the data best.

Discussion: Our results provided initial support for the conceptual model by showing that the psychological benefits, but not the physical benefits, conveyed by exercise were associated with reduced ED risk.