Purging is associated with serious medical complications. Eighty-five percent of all cases of eating disorders begin during adolescence. The earlier adolescents are treated, the better their long-term prognosis. Lack of physical activity is associated with being overweight, fatigue, and poor muscle tone in the short term, and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease in the long term. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Weight bearing physical activity is essential for normal skeletal development during childhood.
UNH, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and New Hampshire counties cooperating.