Impact of Different Forms of Physical Activity on Recovery in Eating Disorders: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.58.72693Keywords
eating disorders, physical acitvity, healthy exercise behavior, recovery, mental healthAbstract
Background. Eating disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric disorders associated with high mortality, chronic course, and significant somatic and psychological burden. Recent treatment models increasingly include physical activity as a supportive component of recovery. Properly supervised exercise may improve both physical and psychological functioning in patients with EDs.
Aim. This narrative review analyzes the effects of resistance training, aerobic exercise, combined interventions, yoga/mind-body practices, and clinically supervised exercise programs on recovery in individuals with eating disorders.
Material and methods. A narrative review of studies involving patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) was conducted. The analysis focused on the effects of different exercise interventions on somatic and psychological outcomes.
Results. Resistance training supported restoration of fat-free mass, improved bone health, and reduced anxiety. Controlled aerobic exercise improved cardiovascular functioning and reversed cardiac muscle atrophy. Combined training interventions reduced compulsive exercise behaviors more effectively than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alone in BN and BED. Yoga and mind-body practices improved interoceptive awareness and reduced binge-eating episodes. Clinically supervised physical activity programs integrated with CBT were identified as safe and effective in modifying dysfunctional behavioral patterns.
Conclusions. Physical activity should be considered an individualized component of ED treatment rather than routinely excluded. Properly supervised exercise may reduce somatic complications of malnutrition and improve psychobehavioral functioning. The integration of structured physical activity with psychotherapy, especially CBT, appears essential for safe and long-term recovery.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Monika Wądołowska, Anna Janiszewska, Wiktor Kołkowski, Magdalena Antoszewska, Katarzyna Gozdera, Katarzyna Oszast, Wiktoria Pielak, Jakub Koszewski, Maria Grabowska, Jan Jakubczyk
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