Reichert M. DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft RE 4841/6-1: Mechanisms of pathological exercise: Effects of moderate vs. high intensity physical exercise on cognitions and affect in patients with eating disorders (HEALTH-ED). 10/2026-09/2029.
Eating disorders are among the most lethal and treatment-resistant mental disorders and pathological exercise is one of the most complex and understudied symptoms and maintaining factors of this condition. More knowledge about how exercise relates to affective and cognitive processes is therefore essential for the development of tailored treatments.
The eating disorders (EDs) anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) primarily affect girls and women in the first half of their lives. AN and BN can easily become chronic with fluctuating courses, and are associated with serious mental and physical consequences. In general, exercise promotes physical, mental and social health. Due to its positive effects on various psychological outcomes such as mood, self-esteem, vitality, and body experience, exercise is increasingly recognized as a promising {adjunctive) intervention strategy for affective and other mental disorders. This also applies, albeit with specific restrictions, to eating disorders. Approximately half of individuals with AN or BN show pathological attitudes towards Physical activity (PA) and a compulsive, excessive exercise behavior.
This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the psychological mechanisms that underly both positive and negative effects of PA in EDs (AN, BN).