The Role of excessive physical activity in the bone health of women diagnosed with eating disorders

Abstract

Introduction and aims. There are still few studies that have evaluated the relationship between eating disorders, excessive physical activity and bone health in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of excessive physical activity on the bone health of women diagnosed with AN or BN. Materials and methods. This is a cross-sectional survey in a public specialized hospital referral service for eating disorders, involving women diagnosed with AN or BN. We measured anthropometric data to calculate the Body Mass Index. Eating behavior was measured using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to assess the serum vitamin D levels of the participants. Physical activity status was self-reported. Bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results. Patients with AN had longer duration of amenorrhea and had significantly lower Body Mass Index values. Aerobic exercises were predominant in both groups (AN and BN), however women with BN presented a higher frequency of aerobic exercises and also of bodybuilding practice (p<0.05). In both groups, women who practiced aerobic exercise for less than 300 minutes per week had higher bone mineral density. Conclusion. The excessive practice of physical activity, especially in aerobic exercises, had a negative impact on the bone mineral density of women diagnosed with AN or BN.