College Students At-Risk For Developing Compulsive Eating and Exercising Behaviors
The focus seems to be on restrictive behaviors when studying eating disorders among the college population, such as anorexia, extreme dieting, or binging and purging with bulimia. Less discussed is the concept of compulsive eating, and even more so, compulsive exercising. We typically associate exercise as a behavior with health benefits, but some college students are pushing themselves beyond normal limits. Authors of a recent article did not specifically define compulsive eating, but considered the behavior to be on the same spectrum as binge eating, or episodes of overeating.
A group of researchers was interested in seeing if a possible relationship existed between compulsive eating and exercise. Their study was based on a sample of 589 undergraduate students from two college campuses. Approximately 7 percent of their sample exhibited compulsive eating behaviors and approximately 18 percent compulsively exercised. A small percentage (2 percent) displayed both behaviors of compulsive eating and exercise.
Female students were more likely than male students to report compulsive eating (2.3 times more likely). Students with higher levels of compulsive eating also tended to have higher levels of aggression, to be less satisfied with their lives, and to be more depressed. Once again demonstrating how one unhealthy behavior can be linked to other aspects of a young person’s psychological well-being. Whereas female students were more likely to compulsively eat, male students were significantly more likely to report compulsive exercise. This finding is in line with previous research that male students display more exercise-dependence. While exercise can have positive effects, like less depressed mood, higher levels of body satisfaction, and the physical benefits, it can be unhealthy if students are exercising obsessively. Asian students were less likely to excessively exercise compared to their African American, Hispanic, and White peers.
This study was only exploratory and the researchers did not focus on potential negative outcomes of these unhealthy behaviors. However, they did conclude that college students might be at an elevated risk of developing compulsive eating and exercising, as displayed by the prevalence rates in their study. Further research is needed to identify which students might be at risk of these excessive unhealthy behaviors.
If you think you need help for an eating disorder or unhealthy thoughts about your weight or appearance, please contact Penn State’s Counseling and Psychological Services. You can also receive free nutrition counseling from registered dieticians at University Health Services. Dieticians can help you identify any unhealthy eating patterns and assist you in creating a nutrition plan.