Maladaptive exercise: the hidden role of physical activity and sport professionals in the early detection of eating disorders
TL;DR
It is argued that integrating standardized educational interventions and observational tools into European sport policy is pivotal to bridge the gap between the gym floor and clinical intervention, transforming recreational settings into protective environments for youth mental health.
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. While physical activity (PA) is generally health-promoting, maladaptive exercise, characterized by compulsive and excessive activity linked to weight control, is often a core feature of ED pathology. Despite the high prevalence of these conditions, early identification remains a critical challenge, as most cases are detected only after severe organic or psychiatric complications. PA and sport professionals, such as personal trainers and coaches, are uniquely positioned to observe early warning signs due to their frequent direct contact with at-risk individuals. This Comment, developed within the European ERASMUS+ Sport project “My Fit Friend”, proposes a practical framework for equipping PA and sport professionals with tools for early detection in youths aged 11–18 years, including a structured observational diary and simulation-based training using avatar interactions. These tools allow those professionals to act as “informed sentinels”, identifying fractures in global functioning and facilitating timely referrals while maintaining clear professional boundaries. We argued that integrating standardized educational interventions and observational tools into European sport policy is pivotal to bridge the gap between the gym floor and clinical intervention, transforming recreational settings into protective environments for youth mental health. Maladaptive exercise may serve as an early indicator of emerging eating disorders within physical activity (PA) contexts. PA and sport professionals can act as informed sentinels, identifying early behavioral and functional changes associated with ED risk. Integrating structured training and digital tools into PA training policies could turn recreational settings into protective environments for youth mental health. Maladaptive exercise may serve as an early indicator of emerging eating disorders within physical activity (PA) contexts. PA and sport professionals can act as informed sentinels, identifying early behavioral and functional changes associated with ED risk. Integrating structured training and digital tools into PA training policies could turn recreational settings into protective environments for youth mental health.