SuppVersity Science News: Scientists demand increased awareness of potential problem with eating disorders in fitness trainers While 89% of the respondents in a recent study reported knowledge about symptoms of disordered eating (DE), only 29% of them had adequate DE knowledge skills. Still, 49% reported current concern about DE among one or more members of their clubs. The level of formal education in sports and exercise, and a history of self-reported eating disorder, but not fitness instructor experience, were explanatory factors for knowledge about DE symptoms. Both exercise specific educational level and instructor experience were explanatory variables for knowledge about recognition of and response to DE concerns. According to the authors of the study, implications of the findings include a need for increased confidence among group fitness instructors regarding how to approach DE concerns, increased awareness of excessive/compulsive exercise as a symptom of DE, and enhanced dissemination of existing guidelines for managing DE concerns among members and/or staff. www,suppversity Reference: Bratland-Sanda, S. and Sundgot-Borgen, J. (2014), “Im concerned – What Do I Do?” recognition and management of disordered eating in fitness center settings. Int. J. Eat. Disord.. doi: 10.1002/eat.22297
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 14:52:49 +0000