Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42649523›Full record

ArticleJournal of eating disorders2026

Maladaptive exercise: the hidden role of physical activity and sport professionals in the early detection of eating disorders.

Valerio Zaccaria, Fabiola Panvino, Roberto Paparella, Maura Ilardi, Dolores Forgione, Ignazio Ardizzone, Francesco Pisani

Abstract readLetter
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of eating disorders, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Valerio Zaccaria *Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Fabiola Panvino *Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. fabiola.panvino@uniroma1.it.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2683-0052
Roberto PaparellaDepartment of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Maura IlardiIdee in Fuga, Alessandria, Italy.
Dolores ForgioneIdee in Fuga, Alessandria, Italy.
Ignazio ArdizzoneDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Francesco PisaniDepartment of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Funding

the Erasmus+ Sport Programme, co-funded by the European Union Project number 101184114
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. While physical activity (PA) is generally health-promoting, maladaptive exercise, characterized by compulsive and excessive activity linked to weight control, is often a core feature of ED pathology. Despite the high prevalence of these conditions, early identification remains a critical challenge, as most cases are detected only after severe organic or psychiatric complications. PA and sport professionals, such as personal trainers and coaches, are uniquely positioned to observe early warning signs due to their frequent direct contact with at-risk individuals. This Comment, developed within the European ERASMUS+ Sport project "My Fit Friend", proposes a practical framework for equipping PA and sport professionals with tools for early detection in youths aged 11-18 years, including a structured observational diary and simulation-based training using avatar interactions. These tools allow those professionals to act as "informed sentinels", identifying fractures in global functioning and facilitating timely referrals while maintaining clear professional boundaries. We argued that integrating standardized educational interventions and observational tools into European sport policy is pivotal to bridge the gap between the gym floor and clinical intervention, transforming recreational settings into protective environments for youth mental health.

Identifiers

PMID42649523
PMCPMC13520179

What OpenQuestion holds

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Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.