Reasons for Exercising and Attitudes to Eating in Adolescent Girls

There is an increasing body of literature suggesting a link between exercise and the desire to attain or maintain a desirable body weight/shape. Much of this research has focused on how interest in physical activity could lead to the development and maintenance of an eating disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate further the relationship between exercise and attitudes to eating in adolescent girls. The current research was a survey study that explored the association between motivation to exercise and attitudes to eating in a non clinical sample of adolescent girls aged between 14 and 16 years. The study also explored the association between mood and self-esteem in relation to exercise and eating. Findings suggest that motivation to exercise for weight control reasons was associated with a higher score on the Eating Attitudes Test -26. Furthermore, weight control reasons for exercising were found to be a significant predictor variable for the total score on this measure. Other findings suggest an association between exercising for weight control reasons and low self-esteem and low mood. Reasons for these associations and both theoretical and clinical implications are discussed and exaluated in view of design limitations. Recommendations for future research are proposed in light of the findings of this study and other relevant literature. Dissemination of these findings are reported and final conclusions made.