Abstract

Appropriate regular physical activity is a major component in preventing the growing global burden of chronic diseases. The huge efforts have been put aiming to change habits of sedentary people. Despite of the facts, for some people exercise can become a compulsive and health harmful behaviour. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between exercise motivation, exercise dependence, and risk of eating disorders in private fitness clubs exercising men and women. Methods: Demographie data, exercise behaviour-related information, overall self-esteem, exercise motivation (Motives for Physical Activity Measure – Revised, MPAM R, Frederick, Ryan, 1993), exercise dependence (Exersice Dependence Scale – 21, Hausenblas, Symons Downs, 2002) and the risk of eating disorders (Eating Attitude Test – 26, Garner, 1982) were assessed using anonymous self-report questionnaire in the sample of 256 persons (81 men). Body mass index was determined by self reported weight and height. Results: The prevalence of risk of eating disorders was 9.1%, exercise dependence symptoms 7.4%. The risk for eating disorders and exercise dependence was more prevalent for women. Correlation analysis revealed that women’ risk for eating disorders was accompanied by exercising for appearance improvement, and exercise dependence by all exercise motives except of physical competence improvement. Men’s risk for eating disorders was not related to the exercise motivation, and exercise dependence was related to exercising for interest/enjoyment and fitness. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that internal exercise motivation (interest/enjoyment) and eating disorders risk predicted women’s exercise dependence. There were no variables to predict men’s exercise. Verf.-Referat