The functional role of exercise in the development of weight and diet concerns in women.

The functional role of exercise in the development of weight preoccupation and body dissatisfaction was examined. One hundred and twelve females, identified as regular participants in exercise programmes, completed an inventory that provided information on attitudes, behaviours and psychological characteristics related to dieting and weight-control, as well as a self-report of physical activity. A structural equation model was tested that provides support for the notion that Body Mass Index, emotional reactivity and physical activity have statistically significant direct effects on weight and diet concerns, but that weight and diet concerns do not predict the degree of participation in physical activity. Significant differences in eating disorder indicators were found between sub-groups identified as 'constantly dieting' and 'rarely dieting'. The tentative, but important, conclusion was drawn that regular participation in a fitness programme may be causally related to excessive concern with weight and dieting.