Sport helps anorexia and bulimia patients acquire healthy lifestyles.

• Patients of the Eating Disorders Institute (ITA) are engaged in a course organized by Rempe Real Club Marítimo de Barcelona

• Physical activity is part of both therapeutic treatment and preventive measures of disease

In the case of sick of eating disorders (ED), physical activity is associated in most cases weight loss. Although it is not so well known, the sport can also recommend a treatment because it can contribute to the acquisition of healthy lifestyles, to take care of oneself as well as teamwork. It is in this context that 11 patients in the Eating Disorders Institute (ITA) are starting this week in a course organized by the Rowing Club Marítimo de Barcelona.

When ill with anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorder no longer focuses on the sport and is a pathological form physically stabilized with a standardized weight, it's therapeutic to get started in sports, especially team. This activity encourages social interaction, encourages skills such as teamwork and helping others, a skill very depleted during the greater incidence of the disease.

The rowing course in which patients ITA is made up of 10 sessions of 2 hours duration. Will combine the theoretical and practical classes, and participants will have the opportunity to learn first basic movements and maneuvers to get out after a row, both in individual and team boats.

The Real Club Marítimo de Barcelona, a pioneer in water sports such as rowing and sailing in Catalonia and Spain, many organized activities for its broad social base. Furthermore, one of its aims is the priority activities that combine sports with other objectives to achieve the welfare and health of individuals in a family environment suitable for all ages. During rowing who proposed ITA is part of the support to the development of the Plan for Sport against the inequalities of the Generalitat of Catalonia.

Sports and Eating Disorders

Certain physical activities such as ballet or rhythmic gymnastics, often associated with a high degree of risk of TCA, as a result of excessive demands around the body and weight. Most patients use sport, and its excessive use as a tool for losing weight. Often, one must keep in mind that the sport can be obsessive and a clear symptom of any disorder.

In contrast, the sport also has very positive health in general and specifically in the training of skills. That's why it can also exert an important role in the prevention of eating disorders.

About ITA

The Eating Disorders Institute (ITA) is a health care network founded in 1998 for treatment, training and investigation of disturbances in eating behavior. It is the leading private institution in the state-level care for Eating Disorders (ED). The institution understands that the care of such disorders must encompass not only preventing disease and restoring health, but also the rehabilitation and reintegration of their environment.

ITA offers a variety of healthcare resources to achieve its objectives: inpatient facilities, day hospitals, outpatient and medical floors. This is the first center in Spain in terms of number of beds and patients. The Institute has 188 beds and in 2007 served over 1,200 patients in ED.