Body dissatisfaction, eating and exercise pathology in high risk clinical populations: assessment of women who are pregnant, infertile, obese, or have an eating disorder

Abstract

Women who are pregnant, infertile, obese, or have an eating disorder are at risk of elevated body dissatisfaction. Body weight dissatisfaction, and quality of life related to eating and exercise were investigated through a series of six scientific studies examining high risk clinical groups. There was some degree of body weight dissatisfaction in all women, although this was higher in women with eating disorders. Pregnancy was associated with increases in body weight dissatisfaction, and quality of life related to eating and exercise, before a decrease in the postpartum. Exercise quantity and intensity decreased in all women during pregnancy, and exercise pathology decreased in women with eating disorders but increased in women without eating disorders during this time. All women seeking infertility treatment, particularly women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome had a poorer QOL related to eating and exercise, than fertile women prepregnancy. Finally, between 14% and 53% of women seeking bariatric surgery were eligible for a diagnosis of BED dependent upon the criteria used. The findings of this thesis may improve patient treatment and outcome in high risk clinical groups by increasing awareness and understanding of body dissatisfaction, and eating and exercise pathology.