Physical exercise during the treatment of anorexia and bulimia
Eating disorders (EDs) impact many areas of a person's life (family, social, work, education, etc.), and treatment will address various important aspects, such as physical exercise . Normalizing exercise can be motivating for recovery, and ensuring it's done in a healthy, rather than compulsive, way is a key treatment goal.
Physical exercise has multiple health benefits, among which we can highlight:
- It improves self-esteem.
- It helps you sleep better.
- It improves physical condition.
- It helps with emotional regulation.
- It promotes socialization.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- It reduces depressive symptoms.
- It improves the quality of life.
Using sport in a healthy way is a preventative factor for eating disorders , primarily helping with aspects such as sociability, self-esteem, and self-concept . However, engaging in physical and sporting activities that involve high levels of self-discipline, physical exertion, and pressure regarding weight and body image can be a risk factor for developing an eating disorder.
The person should view physical activity as a space to enjoy and improve health, and not as a compensatory measure or a way to sculpt the body.
Sport can be a very beneficial tool during the treatment of anorexia and bulimia , as many affected individuals perceive it as a crucial motivation for change in the recovery process. However, it is essential to distinguish whether this is a genuine personal desire or a symptom of the disorder, as it can also become an obsessive behavior that hinders proper weight recovery . Therefore, it is important to delve into their motivations and gather as much information as possible before encouraging them to return to their favorite sport, keeping in mind that it is a recreational activity that fosters communication with peers, as well as a space to promote teamwork. Thus, the individual should view physical activity as a way to enjoy themselves and improve their health , not as a compensatory measure or a means of sculpting their body.
Physical activity and nutrition in educational centers
How and when can a person with an eating disorder practice physical exercise?
Physical exercise during the treatment of an eating disorder should always be tailored to each individual's situation. The decision to limit or not limit physical exercise should be made by the therapeutic team . It is very common at the beginning of treatment to limit, or even completely restrict, physical exercise until weight is recovered or normalized and until the affected person is able to engage in physical activity without it being related to the desire to burn calories.
Sport can be a very beneficial tool during the treatment of anorexia and bulimia, as for many people it can be a motivation for change.
The first point to consider is whether introducing sports is appropriate for the individual's current stage of therapy. There are times in the therapeutic process when physical exercise is not recommended, such as in cases of malnutrition or underweight, or in emotional states where the therapeutic team advises against it.
It is also important to understand the risks that physical exercise can pose for a person with an eating disorder during treatment without medical advice, as this helps to better understand the reason for their limitations. Some of these risks are:
- To cause an increase in body dissatisfaction.
- Not allowing an adequate state of physical health to be achieved.
- Encouraging an obsession with exercise and the risk of practicing it obsessively.
- It can cause anxiety and irritability when physical activity cannot be performed.
- Life-threatening.
One of the goals to be achieved during treatment is for the person to appreciate the positive effects of regular and systematic physical activity on their personal development, in biological, psychological, and social aspects, as well as in improving quality of life and health; and to behave consistently and responsibly with the needs of their body, avoiding practices that have a negative effect on health.
The most recommended sport is team sport, as it promotes values such as teamwork and fosters socialization and motivation.
On the other hand, it is recommended to introduce sport after nutritional and psychological stabilization , and once sociability and acceptance have improved. The most protective or recommended sport is team sport, as it fosters values such as teamwork and promotes socialization and motivation. It is recommended to avoid individual sports and engage in physical activity at home.
The commitment to recovery and social inclusion through sport
Once the decision has been made to resume physical activity, it's also important to consider the type of sport the person will practice, the level of competition, the degree of exertion, and the degree of physical exposure involved. Some aspects and recommendations that can be followed are:
- Coaches should not make any assessment of a person's weight. There are certain sports in which weight is monitored weekly, based on the idea that it is a fundamental element for achieving good results.
- Colleagues should be informed and made aware so that they do not make comments related to weight and body image that could affect the person.
- The start must be gradual, with mild intensity and individualized follow-up.
- The healthcare team should always supervise physical exercise.
- Once initiated, it will be reassessed by the therapeutic team.
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