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Anxiety

Elevated Physical Activity Linked to Poorer Outcomes in Anorexia Nervosa

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research at the University of California has found that individuals with anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa often report higher levels of physical activity, which can be associated with poorer clinical outcomes upon hospital admission. The study analyzed data from 91 patients and found that higher energy expenditure in physical activity was linked to older age, longer duration of weight loss, higher eating restraint, and anxiety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 56% of the patients with anorexia nervosa and 95% of the patients with atypical anorexia nervosa were female, with a median age of 16.6 years and a median body mass index of 84.6 (Standard Deviation: 11.4).
  • The patients reported engaging in 37 different physical activities, with a mean energy expenditure of 354 (Standard Deviation: 319) kcal/day.
  • Higher energy expenditure in physical activity was associated with older age (b = 0.17, p = 0.04), longer duration of weight loss (b = 0.57, p = 0.04), higher eating restraint (Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, EDE-Q; b = 0.17, p = 0.04), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, GAD-7; b = 0.57, p = 0.04).
  • The study suggests that patients with high energy expenditure in physical activity may benefit from additional psychological support for anxiety and eating disorder cognitions during hospital admission.
  • Further research is needed to understand how pre-admission physical activity energy expenditure relates to long-term recovery in patients with anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa.

Statistics:

  • 56% of the patients with anorexia nervosa and 95% of the patients with atypical anorexia nervosa were female.
  • The median age of the patients was 16.6 years (Standard Deviation: 2.5).
  • The median body mass index of the patients was 84.6 (Standard Deviation: 11.4).
  • The patients reported engaging in 37 different physical activities, with a mean energy expenditure of 354 (Standard Deviation: 319) kcal/day.
  • Higher energy expenditure in physical activity was associated with older age (b = 0.17, p = 0.04) and anxiety (b = 0.57, p = 0.04).

Sources:

  • International Journal of Eating Disorders. "Self-Reported Physical Activity Energy Expenditure in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa: A Cross-Sectional Analysis at Hospital Admission From the Study of Refeeding to Optimize iNpatient Gains." 2025.
  • NewsRx. "Investigators at University of California Release New Data on Anxiety Disorders (Self-Reported Physical Activity Energy Expenditure in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa: A Cross-Sectional Analysis at Hospital Admission From the Study of Refeeding ...)." Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 403.

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