Integration of Physical Exercise in Feeding and Eating Disorders and Exercise Dependence Treatment: Is It a Possibility, an Impracticality, or an Overcoming Challenge?

2. Feeding And Eating Disorders Diagnostics

Feeding and eating disorders are described as a constant disruption of eating-related behaviours resulting in the distorted intake or absorption of food, impairing physical health or psychosocial functioning (APA, 2013). Feeding and eating disorders usually contribute to great detriments in psychological, social, and physical health (el Ghoch et al., 2013; Mccomb & Clopton, 2003; Stice, 2002). They are some health problems particularly prevalent in adolescents and young adults (El Ghoch et al., 2013; Hudson et al., 2007). Unfortunately, many people suffering from feeding and eating disorders do not ask for professional help (Harvey & Robinson, 2003; Hudson et al., 2007). This is an enormous problem, especially considering the physical (Mehler & Andersen, 2010) and psychosocial (Fairburn et al., 2008) consequences of these mental illnesses that may also lead to death (Quesnel et al., 2023; Reel, 2013).