Bastian, Lauren LHooper, LauraHazzard, VivienneNeumark-Sztainer, Dianne2020-12-092020-12-092020-12-09https://hdl.handle.net/11299/217289Abstract for a working research paper on the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between compulsive exercise and muscle-enhancing and disordered eating behaviors. This project is part of the Undergraduate Research Scholarship program.Objective: To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between compulsive exercise and disordered eating and muscle-enhancing behaviors in a socioeconomically and ethnically/racially diverse sample of young adults. Method: Using data from 1,441 participants of EAT 2010-2018 (Eating and Activity over Time), gender-stratified analyses were conducted to examine compulsive exercise during adolescence and young adulthood in relation to muscle-enhancing and disordered eating behaviors during young adulthood. Results: Cross-sectionally, compulsive exercise was positively associated with binge-eating, unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviors and use of muscle-enhancing substances in male and female young adults in analyses adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity/race. In longitudinal models controlling for baseline outcome measures, a one standard deviation increase in compulsive exercise during adolescence was associated with 37% greater prevalence of binge-eating in young adult males. In females, a one standard deviation higher level of compulsive exercise during adolescence was associated with 10%, 22%, and 50% greater prevalence of unhealthy weight control behaviors, binge-eating, and use of steroids or other muscle-enhancing substances during young adulthood, respectively. Discussion: Cross-sectional analyses indicate that compulsive exercise is associated with muscle-enhancing and disordered eating behaviors, suggesting that compulsive exercise may be used as a compensatory behavior in attempt to achieve an ideal physique. Longitudinal analyses suggest that compulsive exercise during adolescence may be a risk factor for unhealthy muscle-enhancing and disordered eating behaviors during young adulthood. Public health messaging regarding increasing exercise, while important, should consider the potential risks associated with compulsive exercise for some.enCompulsive ExerciseDisordered EatingMuscle EnhancingProject EATArticle