Often associated with eating disorders, exercise addiction is characterized by a compulsive need to exercise that causes physical, social, occupational or educational problems. Risk factors for developing an exercise addiction include underlying mental health issues and the desire to achieve an ideal body type. Professional athletes are at higher risk of developing an addiction. Often their training starts out in a healthy range but their desire to improve leads to excessive training.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
There is no set amount of time that defines exercise addiction. Rather, exercise becomes problematic when it interferes with daily activities. People may leave work early or avoid spending time with others to work out. Workouts may be excessively long or take place several times per day. Compulsive exercise continues despite illness or injuries. Exercise addiction causes chronic fatigue and exhaustion. People with an exercise addiction often feel guilty or anxious when they are unable to exercise.
Potential Risks and Consequences
Excessive exercise causes physical damage to bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and joints. Long-term damage results when injuries are not given proper healing time. Muscles break down from too much exercise and people become weaker, especially if they are not consuming enough calories. Excessive exercise places added stress on the heart. It causes hormonal imbalances in women and can lead to osteoporosis.
Mental Health Issues
People addicted to exercise often use exercise in an attempt to regulate their emotions. Compulsive exercise helps some people feel more in control over their lives. Other people exercise excessively in an attempt to manage underlying depression and anxiety. Some people may exhibit other compulsive behaviors as well. Exercise addiction is often associated with eating disorders. People may restrict their eating and develop anorexia. They may also use exercise as a way to compensate for binge eating.
Treatment
Consult with a primary care physician to determine the best course of treatment. People with extensive physical health damage may require inpatient hospitalization. Intensive outpatient clinics offer treatment that lasts several hours per day and may include a combination of individual, group and family therapy. Outpatient treatment options may include individual or group therapy one to two times per week. People with an exercise addiction benefit from learning healthy ways to manage underlying emotional issues and healthy eating and exercise habits.
