The Reintroduction of Physical Activity: A Challenge in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

The Reintroduction of Physical Activity: A Challenge in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

By Dr. Ralph Carson

Summary of Presentation: 

Excessive exercise in patients struggling with anorexia is a paradox since they are underweight and undernourished. Such heightened activity would seem challenging and aversive in a state of fatigued and exhaustion resulting from starvation. Though there are numerous reasons why physical activity should be excluded during treatment, updated research supports that inclusion of exercise may be beneficial when reintroduced under the supervision of a multidiscipline treatment team. This presentation explains the etiologies of compulsive exercise in the eating disorder population and addresses recommendations for designing activity protocols during and following treatment.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this presentation participants will be able to:

1. List 3 theories why an anorexic is predisposed to excessive exercise.
2. Describe the “activity paradigm.”
3. Name ten ways exercise enhances well-being and reduces stress.
4. Identify 4 ways yoga assist in the prevention and treatment of anorexia
5. Review recommendations of reintroducing exercise back into the lifestyle of recovering anorexics.

About Dr. Carson:

Dr. Carson has been involved in the clinical treatment of obesity, addictions and eating disorders for over 40 years. His unique background in health science and medicine (BS Duke University and B. H. S. Duke University Medical School) coupled with nutrition and exercise (BS Oakwood College, Ph.D. Auburn University) has prepared him to integrate neuropsychobiological intervention and proven psychotherapeutic treatment. Dr. Carson has honed his skills in communication and often-complicated science into enjoyable, practical and informative workshops. He is currently Vice President of Science and Innovation for the Eating Recovery Center’s and BETR (Binge Eating Treatment and Recovery) in and a consultant for the Pinegrove Behavioral Health and Addiction Center in Hattiesburg, MS. Ralph Carson, PHD has consulted with numerous addiction and eating disorder treatment centers throughout the country as well as being a highly sought after speaker at various conferences and workshops. Additionally Dr Carson has set up several eating disorder programs and corporate wellness programs. He is an active board member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). Working with Academy Medical Systems, he developed workshops for professional groups throughout the U. S. on topics such as exercise therapy, sports nutrition, eating disorders, and childhood obesity. He authored several popular book on nutrition, lifestyle practices, good health and the brain: Harnessing the Healing Power of Fruits and the recently published The Brain Fix: What’s the Matter with Your Gray Matter?