Several studies have shown high prevalence of eating disorders among elite athletes. In particular, weight-related sports focusing on body and body shape have indicated high numbers. Studies including lower-level athletes have failed to find strong a relationship between amount of training (hours per week) and prevalence of eating disorders.

The aim of the present study was to study the relationship between eating disorders and physical activity among 1500 Norwegian women aged 18-65 years.

In addition, we wanted see whether the prevalence of eating disorders is higher among competitive athletes than among recreational athletes.

The Survey for eating disorders (SEDs, 37 questions), which assesses full DSM-IV diagnoses for anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) based on self-report, was used. In addition, the respondents answered specific questions related to different aspects of exercise and physical activity, such as hours of exercise, type of sport and competency level. As far as we know, no earlier studies on eating disorders and physical activity in general population have presented data to differentiate between competitive athletes and recreational athletes.

Preliminary analyzez indicate that women with AN exercised more than all the other ED groups, and the BN group also showed a high number of weekly physical activity. More results will be presented in March. The analyses are expected to shed some light over the discussion concerning sport as a risk group for eating disorders in relation to competition and level of performance.