Physical Activity and Exercise in Bulimia Nervosa: The Two-Edged Sword

Physical activity and exercise has a widely known positive effect on various physiological and psychological variables, and lack of physical activity has been shown as an independent factor for obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain types of cancer and other diseases (Pedersen & Saltin, 2006). However, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders version four (DSM-IV) (APA, 1994) excessive amounts of exercise is listed as one possible weight compensatory behavior among patients with bulimia nervosa (BN). In this chapter I will describe the effects of physical activity, and the motives for physical activity among patients with BN. Furthermore, the two-edged sword aspect of physical activity among patients with BN will be explored. This duality comes to show on one hand because of the excessiveness and the abuse of physical activity, and on the other hand the beneficial and therapeutic effects of correctly dosed physical activity in treatment of BN.