Michael Levine's Eating Disorders Prevention/Sociocultural Factors Newsletter
NO. 167: (i) Advocacy-in-Action; (ii) Professional Issues, Part 2 (n = 2); (iii) Binge Eating, Part 4 (n = 2); (iv) Media, Part 1 (n = 3); and (v) Athletes/Dancers (n = 3)
Colleagues (N now = 1387 in 50 countries),
Please (a) continue to send me any and all announcements (e.g., conferences, awards, webinars, prevention resources, your recent publications); and (b) pass along the following to anyone who would like to join this free email list.
REQUEST FOR SURVEY PARTICIPATION BY AND/OR ASSISTANCE RECRUITING
Participants from the Fields of Medicine and Psychology Who Support or Treat Individuals Dealing with Weight-Related Concerns
from our own Dr. Angela Hinz, School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia)
for a study entitled
Exploring Health Professionals' Diverse Perspectives on the Use of GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Management
Received this morning (California time), 22 July 2025, via an email from our own Dr. Angela Hinz (Australia).
ML NOTE 1: Drs Hinz and Norton and I would appreciate it if you would pass this request along to any and all who might be interested in participating in this survey and qualified to do so, or who work with such people.
ML NOTE 2: Of course, participation in this study is voluntary. AND there are at least 300 qualified people who are members of this Newsletter Group. Just sayin’ . . . . AND if you are a professional who “supports or treats individuals dealing with weight-related concerns” and is interested in participating in this research, but you are uncertain if you fall into the “fields of medicine and psychology”, please err on the side of contacting Dr. Hinz (ahinz@usc.edu.au) to see if you are qualified to participate in this particular study.
[Dr. Hinz writes (bold-for-emphasis added by ML):]
Dear Colleagues,
We would like to invite you take part in a study being conducted through the School of Health at the University of the Sunshine Coast, aimed at exploring health professionals' diverse perspectives on the use of GLP-1 drugs for weight management.
We are seeking participants from the fields of medicine and psychology who support or treat individuals dealing with weight-related concerns. The study involves a brief, anonymous online survey which will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Your input will be invaluable in helping us to better understand professional views on weight loss drugs and will inform the development of practical resources and strategies for clinicians working with patients who are using, or considering, GLP1 type drugs. This includes identifying the need for screening tools related to disordered eating and body image concerns.
If you or someone you know meets the criteria and may be interested in participating, please feel free to share this invitation and survey link. Thank you for your consideration.
https://uniofsunshinecoast.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3rTlZBILrM1zvwi
Dr Angela Hinz and Dr Odette Norton | University of the Sunshine Coast
RECOVERY/SUPPORT and EATING DISORDERS LITERACY
[our own] Ms. Rachelle Heinemann's (USA)
Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast - Episode #173:
Being Present and Eating Disorders
ML NOTE 3: All episodes in our own Ms. Rachel Heinemann's (USA) podcast series can be found at: https://www.rachelleheinemann.com/podcast.
Episode 173: Being Present and Eating Disorders
Listen (~27.5 min) at: https://www.rachelleheinemann.com/podcast/being-present-with-an-eating-disorder
Let’s be honest . . . most of us would love to be the kind of person who “lives in the moment.” You know, one of those magical unicorns who wakes up excited for the day, mindfully savors every bite of their avocado toast, and breathes through stress like it’s non-existent. But instead, we’re over here eating lunch in front of our inbox, wondering why we feel like a disembodied ghost hovering somewhere between a meeting and a meltdown.
In this episode In this episode, I’m diving into the messy, real-life struggle of being present, especially when it comes to food, body stuff, and the feelings we’d really rather not deal with. From binge-eating as emotional escape to zoning out mid-meeting, it turns out our disconnect from the present moment isn’t random... It’s learned, rehearsed, and maybe even a little protective.
And if you didn’t know, I’m not a mindfulness guru, so this won’t be your typical mindfulness sermon. In fact, it’s not about mindfulness at all (although some mindfulness techniques are useful in the process.) What we are talking about is why being present feels so hard—and how to gently, practically, and compassionately work our way back to the here and now... without turning into a walking meditation app.
In this episode, we’re talking about:
Why being present feels so hard.
How disconnection from our bodies, through restriction, binging, or overexercising, makes presence nearly impossible.
How food behaviors like emotional eating or bingeing often serve as coping mechanisms to avoid difficult emotional states.
How ignoring physical cues like hunger or fullness trains us to ignore the present moment entirely.
Why being stuck in the past (hello, rumination) or the future (hi, anxiety) keeps us from showing up in the now.
How presence isn't just about mindfulness practices.
Why most “practical strategies” for mindfulness fall flat if we haven’t dealt with what’s underneath: fear, shame, or lack of emotional support.
How to gently experiment with presence during neutral or low-stakes moments.
What it means to use your five senses—sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound—to reconnect with your environment and your experience.
How food, exercise, and emotional check-ins can become simple but powerful tools to rebuild your awareness.
Why journaling can help untangle what’s happening internally and bring more intention to the moment.
How building awareness in non-crisis moments helps us pause, reflect, and respond instead of reacting on autopilot.
How early life experiences and developmental messages taught us to disconnect.
Why self-compassion and curiosity (not judgment) are key ingredients in rebuilding our capacity to be present.
How presence isn’t about becoming perfectly calm or mindful all the time.
Related Episodes:
Episode 170. The Perfectionist Paradox || Episode 167. How to Achieve Full Recovery with Ilene Fishman* || Episode 147. Social Media and Eating Disorders with Lily Thrope, LCSW || Episode 146. Caring Less About What Others Think || Episode 129. The Deeper Meaning of Your Eating Disorder + What to Do About It with Karen Koenig* MED, LCSW || Episode 115. How To Recover When Everyone Around You Is Dieting || Episode 90. How Do I Learn To Trust Myself? with Diane Barth
*Member of this Newsletter Group
Research Publication Categories in This Newsletter
(i) Advocacy-in-Action; (ii) Professional Issues, Part 2 (n = 2); (iii) Binge Eating, Part 4 (n = 2); (iv) Media, Part 1 (n = 3); and (v) Athletes/Dancers (n = 3)
CONGRATULATIONS to our own
Dr. Gemma Sharp (Canada) and colleagues for publication of the Advocacy-in-Action research in #1.
Dr. Siân McLean (Australia) and colleagues, including our own Dr. Phillipa Hay (Australia), for publication of the Professional Issues articles in #2 and #3.
Dr. Janet Lydecker (USA) and colleagues, including distinguished scientist-practitioner-mentor, Dr. Carlos Grilo (USA), for publication of the Binge Eating Disorder research article in #5.
Dr. Courtney Rogers (USA) and colleagues for publication of the Media research article in #8.
Dr. Trent Petrie (USA) and colleagues for publication of the Athletes and Disordered Eating article in #9.
Dr. Feten Fekih-Romdhane (Tunisia) and colleagues, including distinguished research scientists Drs. Souheil Hallit (Lebanon/Saudi Arabia) and Sahar Obeid (Lebanon), for publication of the Sports and Exercise Addiction research article in #11.
ADVOCACY-IN-ACTION
ML NOTE 4: In regard to the article described below in #2, and in the advocacy spirit, Dr. Sharp has asked me to pass along to you the following.
Professor Gemma Sharp, Founding Director, states that joining the Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders is open to all across the globe and free of charge: https://core-ed.com.au/. We've had a terrific global response in our first year (first anniversary in Sept 2025) and we're looking forward to even more growth.
ML NOTE 5: Dr. Sharp and I would appreciate it if you would pass this invitation along to any and all who might be interested in joining, as well as any and all who work with people who might be interested in joining.
ML NOTE 6: In this regard, see also the essay by Dr. Sharp entitled CoRe-ED: A Global Collaboration for Eating Disorders Research, written for the 2 March 2025 Life Stories Diary Newsletter (https://lifestoriesdiary.com) published/curated by our own Dr. June Alexander (Australia). This essay, presented in 11 March 2025 in Newsletter 119, is available in full at https://lifestoriesdiary.com/2025/03/03/core-ed-a-global-collaboration-for-eating-disorders-research/.
1. Sharp, G., Stafrace, S., Hu, H., & Wigley, P. (2025). Establishment of an international Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (CoRe-ED): Analysis of early-stage participant involvement and expectations. Journal of Eating Disorders, 13, 139. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01336-5
Full text available for download at: https://tinyurl.com/4jmy3y6c
ABSTRACT. Background: Eating disorders are a major global health concern. However, eating disorders research has been incorrectly labelled by some as “niche” and is critically underfunded throughout the world. With a plan to try to assist in addressing these issues and others, we launched the international not-for-profit Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (CoRe-ED) in September 2024.
CoRe-ED has a global mission to promote innovations in eating disorders research by empowering all voices and ultimately creating new therapies for all people experiencing eating disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine the broad characteristics of the individuals who joined CoRe-ED free of charge and their expected benefits and experiences in the earliest stages of CoRe-ED.
Methods: CoRe-ED registrants completed a written online form between 25 September 2024 and 31 December 2024. As part of this registration process, they consented to deidentified aggregated data being used for research purposes. We analysed the registration data from 252 adult participants, particularly, their primary country of residence, their role(s) (e.g., researcher with lived experience) and their perceived expectations for benefits and experiences using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: The CoRe-ED registrants came from 20 countries across five continents, with Australia being the most common country. The following roles were represented; researchers, health professionals, working in a not-for-profit/advocacy role, lived experience of an eating disorder either personally and/or as a carer/supporter, and working in industry, with researchers being the highest frequency group. Thematic analysis of perceived expectations for CoRe-ED resulted in seven major themes: (1) networking, connecting, and community building (2), research contribution and collaboration (3), learning, staying informed, and professional development (4), raising awareness and advocacy (5), facilitating innovations and advancements in practice and policy (6), sharing lived experience, and (7) gaining international insights and inspiration.
Conclusions: Our findings suggested that our novel international eating disorder research consortium had attracted registrants across multiple continents and groups who broadly wished to network/build a community, contribute to research and receive education. Future research should examine longer term experiences to ensure that expectations are being met and that the broader global mission of CoRe-ED is being addressed.
PROFESSIONAL ISSUES, Part 2 of 2
2. Heruc, G., Hurst, K., Trobe, S., Shelton, B., Spiel, E., & McLean, S. A. (2025). Development and implementation of a credentialing system for clinicians providing eating disorder care. Journal of Eating Disorders, 13(Suppl 1), 144. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01310-1
Full text available for download at: https://tinyurl.com/mmx7v5k3
ABSTRACT. With eating disorder prevalence increasing in Australia and around the world, it is critical that clinicians are trained in eating disorder treatment and that people with eating disorders, their families and supports can identify suitably trained clinicians. With funding from the Australian Government, the Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) and National Eating Disorders Collaboration partnered to develop and implement a novel credentialing system to recognise dietitians and mental health professionals with a minimum level of knowledge, experience, and training in eating disorder care.
This paper aims to describe the development and implementation of this credentialing system, exploring its initial uptake by clinicians. In developing the Credential, initial scoping work included extensive consultation with clinicians, peak professional bodies, and those with lived experience of an eating disorder and their families. Once the criteria for the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential were established and a custom website built, the Credential opened for applications from clinicians on 24 November 2021. To engage with clinicians, incentive schemes were used, including a limited evidence sunset period encouraging the existing workforce to apply, and professional development programs targeting the upskilling of clinicians new to eating disorder treatment.
In the first 19 months of the Credential, 1410 clinicians (including 511 dietitians and 899 mental health professionals) were awarded the Credential. Although there was a small amount of anticipated attrition during the first renewal period, 1275 clinicians remained currently credentialed at 30 June 2023. Overall, most credentialed clinicians were private practitioners, likely motivated by the need for professional recognition. To support program improvements and long-term sustainability, future research will explore the benefits, impacts, and challenges of the credentialing system as perceived by clinicians and people with an eating disorder and their families.
3. Prnjak, K., Conti, J., McCormack, M., Heruc, G., McLean, S. A., Barnes, R., & Hay, P. (2025). The ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential for health care providers: clinician perspectives. Journal of Eating Disorders, 13(Suppl 1), 113. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01309-8
Full text available for download at: https://tinyurl.com/5e6rk7eu
ABSTRACT. Background. Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) in 2022 established a credentialing system for eating disorder (ED) clinicians that recognises a minimum knowledge, training, and ongoing professional development necessary to provide safe and effective care. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of credentialed clinicians with the new credentialing system, in particular, their view on continuous professional development (CPD) and supervision required for maintaining the credentialed status, as well as how becoming credentialed has affected their clinical work.
Methods: Two hundred and twenty-eight credentialed clinicians (92.5% female; 41.7% psychologists; 39.5% dietitians) completed an online survey consisting of multiple choice and open-ended questions regarding their experience with the credentialing system and perceptions of the CPD program.
Results: Credentialed clinicians reported that CPD increased their confidence and willingness to deliver ED treatment, and that supervision enhanced their reflective skills and ethical thinking, whilst 75% of clinicians reported that attaining the Credential had not changed the number of ED patients that they were currently treating on a weekly basis. Content analysis of open-ended questions resulted in three broad themes: professional/personal development; improving care; and acknowledgement and recognition. Differences were found between clinicians working in private practice and those working in public health or both settings with regards to impacts on client referrals to their services.
Conclusions: These findings show that credentialed clinicians perceived a positive experience with the Credential and its ongoing CPD program. However, there may be a need to increase the visibility and external awareness of the credentialing system.
BINGE EATING, Part 4 of 4
4. Tuncer, G. Z., & Tuncer, M. (2025). The effect of eHealth-based guided self help interventions for binge eating disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2025.2498247
Full text available for download at: https://tinyurl.com/ab9tz7pu
ABSTRACT. With rapid technological advancements, eHealth-based guided self-help interventions have become accessible, flexible, cost-effective, and stigma-reducing treatment options for binge eating disorder (BED). This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of these interventions in individuals diagnosed with BED or showing BED symptoms, based on eight randomized controlled trials with 1,575 participants.
Intervention length varied between a single session to four months. Six studies focused solely on web-based guided self-help interventions, one study implemented a hybrid approach combining face-to-face and online components, and another study employed two distinct online guided self-help methods. The interventions included psychoeducational modules, therapist feedback, online behavior monitoring, and self-assessments. eHealth-based guided self-help significantly reduced binge eating psychopathology (SMD: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.20-0.86) and objective binge eating (OBE) days (SMD: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.12-0.85) compared to controls. These interventions offer effective solutions for individuals facing barriers to traditional treatment access.
5. Lydecker, J. A., Gueorguieva, R., & Grilo, C. M. (2025). Rapid response to behavioral/pharmacological obesity treatments for binge-eating disorder predicts better clinical outcomes. Obesity, 33(6), 1067-1075. https://doi.oorg/10.1002/oby.24292
Email address for correspondence: janet.lydecker@yale.edu
ABSTRACT. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine rapid response and its prognostic significance in participants with binge-eating disorder (BED) and obesity in a randomized clinical trial testing behavioral and pharmacological obesity treatments for BED. Methods: A total of 136 participants were randomly assigned (balanced 2 × 2 factorial) to 16-week behavioral and/or pharmacological (naltrexone/bupropion) obesity interventions. Masked assessments occurred monthly throughout treatment and at posttreatment.
Results: Rapid response (≥65% reduction in frequency of binge-eating episodes after 1 month of treatment), observed in 55% (n = 75/136) of participants, was unrelated to baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Rapid response was more common in behavioral therapy than not and in naltrexone/bupropion than placebo. Rapid response was associated with binge-eating remission. Mixed models revealed that rapid response was associated with greater reductions in binge-eating frequency, eating-disorder psychopathology, percent weight loss, and metabolic variables (total cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin A1c) at posttreatment. Rapid response effects on outcomes did not vary by treatment.
Conclusions: In a randomized clinical trial testing behavioral and pharmacological obesity treatments for BED with co-occurring obesity, rapid response was a robust prognostic indicator of binge-eating remission and significantly better behavioral, psychological, and metabolic outcomes. Non-rapid response to behavioral and pharmacological obesity treatments could signal a need to switch to alternative treatments.
MEDIA, Part 1 of 4
6. Matsuzaka, S., Volpe, V. V., Avery, L. R., & Stanton, A. G. (2025). Shrunken and recolored: Young Black American women’s double consciousness, bodyimage, online victimization, and photo editing. Psychology of Women Quarterly. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/03616843251352872
Email address for correspondence: matsuzakas@montclair.edu
ABSTRACT. In digital spaces, Black women's natural physical characteristics are marginalized by racially biased photo-editing technologies. This has implications for Black women who are vulnerable to appearance concerns at the intersections of dual pressures to adhere to white and culturally specific body and appearance ideals (i.e., double consciousness body image).
In this cross-sectional online survey-based study, we applied aspects of the tripartite influence model to examine whether double consciousness body image internalization was associated with body image- and facial image-based photo editing among 354 young Black women. In doing so, we considered photo editing as a behavior reflective of social pressures to adhere to sociocultural appearance ideals promoted in digital spaces. Additionally, we explored the potential moderating role of online victimization in the associations between double consciousness body image internalization and photo editing.
Double consciousness body image internalization was significantly positively associated with body image- and facial image-based photo editing. Online victimization moderated the associations between double consciousness body image internalization and both body image- and facial image-based photo editing, such that these relations were stronger at higher frequencies of online victimization. We discuss the implications of our findings for promoting young Black women's healthy body image and safety on social media platforms
7. Galway, S. C., & Gammage, K. L. (2025). The effect of viewing #whatieatinaday TikTok videos with and without calories on body-related shame, guilt, envy, and intentions to diet in young women. Body Image, 54. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101942
Email address for correspondence: sg13vl@brocku.ca
ABSTRACT. Exposure to calorie labels on restaurant menus has been linked to negative body image outcomes in young adults (e.g., shame, guilt). Young adults may also be exposed to calorie information when viewing TikTok content such as what I eat in a day (WIEIAD) videos. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of viewing WIEIAD TikTok videos (with and without calories) on body-related shame, guilt and envy, and intentions to change diet in young women. We also examined indirect effects of upward appearance comparisons and moderating effects of self-compassion.
Participants were young women [N = 335, Mage =25 years (SD = 3.24)] recruited for a study titled “social media use, self-perceptions and mood” (cover story) through Cloud Research Connect. Participants were randomly assigned to view a series of a) WIEIAD videos with calories, b) WIEIAD videos without calories or c) travel videos (control).
Participants who viewed WIEIAD videos (with or without calories) reported higher body-related envy and intentions to diet than participants who viewed travel videos. No differences were reported between participants who viewed WIEIAD videos with or without calories. Appearance comparisons mediated the relationship between WIEIAD videos and body-related shame, guilt, envy, and intentions to change diet, however self-compassion did not moderate any relationships. Researchers should investigate ways to mitigate upward social comparisons elicited by viewing WIEIAD content.
8. Rogers, C. B., Ginn, C., Hicks, M. J., & Mims, K’A. (2025). A content analysis of #PostpartumBody videos on TikTok. Body Image, 54. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101934
Email address for correspondence: courtneyrogers@wcu.edu
ABSTRACT. It is well-established that image-focused content on social media can impact body image and well-being. Postpartum individuals may be especially susceptible to body image dissatisfaction, with pressure to “bounce back” to their pre-pregnancy shape and weight, yet there is limited understanding of the type of appearance-related content these individuals are exposed to on social media sites such as TikTok.
To better characterize this content, we conducted a content analysis of TikTok videos (N = 286) using #PostpartumBody. We evaluated participant characteristics as well as the presence of positive and negative appearance-related messaging. A lack of diversity was observed among videos, with the majority being coded as White and in the “healthy” body mass index range. Fifty-one percent of the videos had themes related to positive body image, over half involved negative body image themes (e.g., glorifying weight loss), and about one-quarter of videos included both positive and negative themes.
The results of this study increase our understanding of both postpartum and appearance-related TikTok videos found on social media. Aligned with the effects of other appearance-related social media content, the type of content shared under the #PostpartumBody hashtag may contribute to poorer body image and psychological health during the postpartum period. Additional research to explore the effects of viewing this content is needed.
ATHLETES/DANCERS
9. Kit, O., Petrie, T. A., & Moore, E. W. (2025). Do self-compassion and body satisfaction protect women collegiate athletes from disordered eating? Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 80. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102903
Email address for correspondence: oliviakit1@my.unt.edu
ABSTRACT. Women athletes are constantly exposed to general societal beauty standards and sport-specific pressures about body weight, food intake, and performance, which lead to negative body perceptions and low body satisfaction and the development of disordered eating (DE) symptoms. Thus, identifying psychosocial resources that can improve athletes' body satisfaction becomes an avenue for reducing their DE symptoms and improving their health.
Given the dearth of longitudinal research testing such potential effects, we examined, over a four-month time frame (i.e., Time 1 [T1] vs. Time 2 [T2]), the indirect and direct effects of one such psychosocial resource, self-compassion (SC) on women collegiate athletes' (N = 1678) body satisfaction (BS) and DE symptoms.
Through cross-lagged panel analysis, we found that T1 DE (β = −.10) and T1 SC (β = .06) contributed inversely and positively, respectively, to athletes' T2 BS. Further, the hypothesized indirect effect of Time 1 SC to Time 2 DE through BS was not significant, β = −.002, 95 % BCaCI [-.010, .003]; only T1 SC predicted lower levels of DE at T2 (β = −.08). These findings align with prior cross-sectional research and indicate that women athletes’ BS and DE are not likely to spontaneously improve over time, but may be changed through SC-based interventions.
10. Xi, S. (2024). Impact of adolescent dance participation on the development of disordered eating habits. Journal of High School Science, 8(4), 350-371. https://doi.org/10.64336/001c.126812
Full text available for download at: https://tinyurl.com/4uwtyv95
ABSTRACT. Dancers and adolescents are high-risk groups for developing disordered eating behaviors, making it critical to understand these eating behaviors for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. However, there is limited literature on the impact of adolescent dance participation on the development of disordered eating, with even fewer studies addressing the potential long-term effects. This paper reviews current literature on eating disorders in the context of dance, while integrating insights from a neurocognitive perspective. It identifies the risk factors contributing to disordered eating in adolescent dancers and examines how these behaviors can develop into habits over time.
The review suggests that these persistent disordered eating habits pose significant treatment challenges, emphasizing the need to break them early. Effective strategies involve reducing stimuli that reinforce unhealthy behaviors and shifting the dance community’s focus from appearance to health and skill. Long-term effects of disordered eating in adolescent dancers may extend beyond their dance years, potentially impacting brain health.
This highlights the need for holistic treatment strategies that address both emotional disorders and disordered eating. Additionally, the review recommends integrating recreational dance into school curricula and community settings to promote collaborative, health-focused activities that enhance adolescent dancers’ well-being and cultural understanding. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to track the progression of disordered eating in adolescent dancers and their potential development into clinical eating disorders.
11. Abi Karam, M., El Khoury, R., Hokayem, C., Akiki, N., Obeid, S., Fekih-Romdhane, F., Hallit, S., & Hokayem, M. (2025). Exercise addiction and disordered eating in young Lebanese regular sport practitioners: The indirect role of body appreciation and body dysmorphic concerns. Journal of Eating Disorders, 13, 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-025-01269-z
Full text available for download at: https://tinyurl.com/yfbwsb94
ABSTRACT. Background: Disordered eating, encompassing behaviors like restrictive dieting, binge eating, and purging, is a prevalent issue with significant psychological and physical consequences. Among athletes, it is often exacerbated by sociocultural pressures and performance demands, making it a critical area of study. Exercise addiction is characterized by compulsive exercise behaviors and is frequently associated with disordered eating; however, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear.
Limited research has explored the factors that may contribute to the risk of both exercise addiction and disordered eating, particularly in athletes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between exercise addiction and disordered eating in regular sport practitioners and explore the potential indirect roles of body appreciation and body dysmorphic concerns. Examining these constructs is particularly important, as sociocultural pressures and limited mental health resources may uniquely influence their risk factors and experiences.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study enrolling 321 Lebanese regular sport practitioners (mean age of 21.09 years with 51.2% males) currently residing in Lebanon.. The questionnaire consisted of four scales, validated in Arabic: the Eating Attitudes Test, the Body Appreciation Scale, Exercise Addiction Inventory—Youth, and the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire.
Results: Body appreciation explained a significant amount of the variance in the association between exercise addiction and disordered eating; higher exercise addiction was significantly associated with lower body appreciation and directly associated with more disordered eating. Moreover, higher body appreciation was significantly associated with less disordered eating.
Furthermore, body dysmorphic concerns explained a significant amount of variance in the association between exercise addiction and disordered eating; higher exercise addiction was significantly associated with more body dysmorphic concerns and directly associated with more disordered eating. Additionally, higher body dysmorphic concerns were significantly associated with more disordered eating.
Conclusion: The study examines the significant indirect role of body dysmorphic concerns and body appreciation between exercise addiction and disordered eating in young adult athletes. These findings underscore the need for interventions targeting body dysmorphic concerns and body appreciation in addressing exercise addiction and disordered eating. By fostering a positive body image and reducing maladaptive behaviors, this can guide coaches and trainers in creating supportive, body positive environments that prioritize athletes’ mental and physical well-being.