Exercise Addiction

With many individuals around the world making a commitment to exercise, healthy eating and weight loss, there is a small fraction of the same individuals who will fall prey to an associated health complication. Known as an exercise addiction, a small percentage of individuals will begin a rigorous exercise routine and become addicted to the adrenaline rush and body image results associated with the release of endorphins and the stimulation of serotonin production. Understanding the symptoms of exercise addiction, the connection to eating disorders and methods for relieving the exercise addiction, can provide for a more healthy exercise program.

When suffering from an exercise addiction, the first symptom most often appears when the individual begins to frequent fitness facilities, often, on more than one occasion per day. While the fitness program may vary, from cardio to weight training to structured fitness classes, the individual who frequents these programs more than once per day is most likely suffering from an exercise addiction.

In addition to frequenting the fitness facility more than once per day, the exercise addict will also, as a general rule, suffer from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. With a psychological basis and low self esteem, the exercise addict often is confused by distorted body image. As a result, it is not uncommon to find the exercise addict limiting caloric intake or, in some cases, binging on food and then using laxatives to clean the system of unwanted food.

When suffering from an exercise addiction, the first key, as with any addiction, is to recognize a problem may exist. While exercise does boost endorphin levels and stimulates serotonin flow, teaching the exercise addict to live without these boosts in mood and feeling of euphoria can be difficult. As a result, the exercise addict may not readily give in to a modified exercise program. To offset this resistance, the exercise addict should be taught to indulge in other activities which will promote the same level of serotonin release such as sleep or artistic expression.

As with any addiction, understanding and recognizing the problem exists is the first step in recovery. While exercise, on a daily basis, is a wise health decision, when the exercise supersedes all other activities of the individual, this may be a sign of an exercise addiction and, in some cases, a combination eating disorder, requiring intervention and support from friends, family and healthcare professionals.