ABSTRACT
This chapter initially addresses what eating disorders are and risk factors for developing eating disorders. It focuses on how exercise can be misused in the context of an eating disorder. The chapter addresses how exercise may be beneficial in the treatment of an eating disorder. It also focuses on excessive exercise in those with eating disorders, although non-clinical populations have been found to engage in excessive exercise. The chapter examines research examining exercise and exercisers and not sport and athletics. Eating disorders can be classified in four different ways: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or unspecified feeding or eating disorder. The American Psychiatric Association states that bulimia nervosa is primarily characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating, repeated inappropriate behaviors intended to prevent weight gain. Working with individuals with eating disorders is challenging work. The chapter concludes with a section on how to help someone suspected of having an eating disorder.
