Exercising is good for you, but it can be harmful when taken to the extreme. Exercise bulimia refers to a compulsion to purge calories through excessive exercise. It is almost as common in men as in women, according to best-selling author and dieting expert Dr. Ian Smith. See your doctor if you show signs of exercise bulimia. Encourage friends or family members who display symptoms to seek help.
Symptoms
Symptoms of exercise bulimia include excessive and compulsive exercise; guilt if you miss a workout; amenorrhea, or loss of the menstrual cycle in women; anxiety and stress; bone loss and a drop in protein levels. People with exercise bulimia sometimes let their exercise schedules interfere with their daily lives, spend several hours per day exercising and work out even when sick or injured. They often have a codependent disorder, such as an anxiety disorder, anorexia nervosa or classic bulimia nervosa.
Prevalence
In a 2008 study, 45.5 percent of patients with eating disorders were compulsive exercisers. The study, published by Riccardo Dalle Grave and colleagues in "Comprehensive Psychiatry," found that prevalence was 80 percent among patients with restrictive-type anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder marked by restrictive food intake, rather than binging and purging. The study also showed that compulsive exercise negatively influenced treatment outcomes.
Effects
Exercise bulimia can lead to fatigue, reproductive problems, depression and anxiety, according to Dr. Maryanne Rosenthal, clinical director at Casa Palmera, an in-patient treatment center in San Diego. This condition also can cause dehydration, osteoporosis, arthritis and injuries, such as stress fractures, strains and sprains.
Treatment
Treatment for exercise bulimia is similar to that for eating disorders. People who suffer from exercise bulimia should see a therapist or counselor to improve their self-images. Dietitians and fitness experts can help patients achieve a normal weight, learn how to eat healthfully and work out in moderation. Patients also might need to consult a psychiatrist for antidepressant medications. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Some people find that symptoms do not go away entirely and may experience relapses. It's important to practice good self-care strategies and continue to regularly see health care providers to reduce the risk of relapse.
