Body Esteem Association with Vulnerability to Exercise Dependence and Eating Disorders among University Professionals and Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Aims: This study investigates the relationship between exercise dependence, eating disorders, and body esteem among university students and professionals, hypothesizing that specific components of self-esteem differentiate vulnerabilities to eating disorders and exercise dependence. Methods: Data were collected through a structured online questionnaire sent to all students and professionals at Saint-Joseph University of Beirut, covering demographics, physical exercise characteristics, the exercise addiction inventory (EAI), the SCOFF questionnaire, and the body esteem scale. Participants were divided into four groups based on the presence of a risk for exercise dependence (EAI+) and/or eating disorders (SCOFF+): SCOFF+, EAI+, SCOFF+, EAI−, SCOFF−, EAI+, and SCOFF−, EAI−. Results: The study analyzed 229 responses. Eating disorders or exercise dependence were generally associated with lower body esteem. Group 1 (SCOFF+, EAI+) exhibited higher overall and appearance-related body esteem compared to Group 2 (SCOFF+, EAI−) ( P < 0.05). Group 2 was more strongly associated with lower weight-related body esteem scores ( P < 0.05). Higher education was associated with more eating disorder symptoms without corresponding exercise dependence ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Individuals with low self-esteem may develop exercise addiction to improve appearance and body esteem, while those with eating disorders focus on weight-related body esteem. Future interventions should focus on balanced exercise routines and healthy eating habits.