A moderate amount of exercise is good for everybody. It helps keep both
the mind and body healthy.
Compulsive exercise is when a person exercises so much that it begins to
wear down her body.
Compulsive exercise can hurt both a person's physical and mental health.
Compulsive exercise is a lot like having an eating
disorder. It is sometimes called obligatory exercise or anorexia athletica.
What causes it?
A person may exercise an unhealthy amount as a way to deal with anxiety,
stress, depression, or anger.
They may use it as a way to feel in control of their lives.
Their self-esteem may depend entirely on having a good workout or athletic
performance.
A person may exercise an unhealthy amount as a way to lose weight.
A person may feel pressure from a coach or parent to succeed at a sport.
She may put pressure on herself to be the best. This pressure can drive a
person to practice so much that it is not healthy.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can be affected by this condition; boys, men, girls, and women.
It is more common in teenage girls.
It is more common in athletes.
It is more common in athletes involved in sports that focus on weight and
appearance: dance, cheerleading, diving, swimming, crew, track, figure skating,
gymnastics, equestrian sports, and wrestling.
Some runners fall into an obsessive exercise routine.
It is more common in people who have an eating disorder.
People who are perfectionists are at risk.
People who place a lot of importance on winning or being the best are at
risk.
What are warning signs that my child is exercising too much? Every person is different. Some people's bodies can handle more exercise
than other's. If you think your child has a problem with compulsive exercise,
try to get an idea of how she thinks about the exercise. Watch her exercise
habits. Look for these signs:
Your child worries an unusual amount about having to miss a workout.
She feels guilty about missing a workout.
She works out twice the next day if she missed a workout. Or, she works
out twice as hard.
She doesn't seem to enjoy working out but she feels she must.
She plans her day around her workout. She will turn down invitations to
spend time with friends and family so that she has time to work out.
She will work out even if she has an injury.
She works out even if she is sick or tired.
She will work out even in bad weather.
She works out many times a day.
She eats very little but works out very hard.
She has a strict exercise or eating routine.
She always thinks or talks about her eating or exercise routines.
She loses a large amount of weight.
She exercises more if she eats more.
She is never happy with her workouts. She thinks she should have gone longer
or harder.
What health problems can it lead to? Exercising too much can lead to both physical and mental problems.
Physical
Too much exercise can damage muscles, bones, and joints.
If your child will not rest long enough to let her injuries heal, her
injuries are likely to get worse.
If your child exercises too much, she could start to lose muscle, especially
if she is also not eating enough.
Girls who exercise too much may lose their monthly period (a condition
called amenorrhea). They are also at risk for bone loss (osteoporosis).
People who exercise too much may always feel tired.
Too much exercise is actually bad for the heart. It is especially bad
if a person is also not eating enough. In extreme cases, this combination
can lead to death.
Mental
If your child obsesses about exercise, she may start obsessing about
other things in her life as well.
She may start keeping detailed records of her workouts or her diet.
She may write down every detail she dislikes about herself.
This negative thinking often leads to low self-esteem.
While a good amount of exercise can help people feel stress-free and
full of energy, too much exercise can lead to depression and anxiety.
A person may withdraw from family and friends.
The person's relationships may suffer because exercise is the most important
thing in her life.
How is it treated?
Call your doctor if you think your child is exercising too much.
The doctor may want to meet with your child to examine her and talk to her.
The doctor may recommend your child see a therapist
(to treat her mental health).
The doctor may give your child medical treatment.
Your child may need to stay in the hospital if she has lost too much weight.
Going to a support group may help.
Your child may need to see a nutritionist to help her learn healthy eating
habits.
How long does it last?
Treatment for exercise compulsion can take months or even years.
Every person is different. Some people will get better sooner than others.
How can parents help?
Encourage your child to help you fix healthy meals.
Make exercising a fun activity. Encourage her to do it with friends and
family. For example, go on a bike ride together.
Avoid complaining about your own weight and appearance in front of your
child.
Don't insult a person about her weight.
Never tease about weight. Don't use nicknames that have to do with a person's
weight.
Ask yourself if you are putting pressure on your child, especially pressure
to do well in a sport or to lose weight.
Praise your child for her effort. Help her feel successful even if she doesn't
win.
Give your child support.
Praise your child for things not having to do with exercise or sports. Help
build her self-esteem.
How can coaches and trainers help?
Coaches, dance teachers, and other trainers should watch for warning signs
of compulsive exercise in their students.
They should be taught how to notice signs of eating and exercise disorders.
They should train students in a way that focuses on health instead of on
weight.
They should strongly discourage dangerous weight loss or exercise.
They should avoid putting too much pressure on athletes to succeed. More
focus should be put on effort.
Coaches and trainers should learn about the nutritional needs of athletes.
Coaches and trainers should get help from a health professional or parent
if they think a child has an eating or exercise disorder.
They should teach students how losing too much weight or exercising too
much can hurt their health and athletic performance.
They should avoid coaching in ways that hurt a child's self-esteem. Help
students find ways to feel good about their performance.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if you think your child is exercising too much or eating
too little.
Call the doctor if you think your child shows any of the other above warning
signs of exercise compulsion.
Call the doctor if you think your child is not growing at the right pace.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment
or condition.
Quick Answers
Compulsive exercise is when a person exercises so much that it begins to
wear down her body.
A person may exercise an unhealthy amount to lose weight or to deal with
other problems.
Anyone can fall into the habit of exercising too much but it is most common
in athletes and teenage girls.
Warning signs that a person is exercising too much include losing a large
amount of weight, feeling guilty about missing a workout, or withdrawing from
friends and family because exercise is more important.
Exercising too much can lead to physical problems, such as bone loss or
injury. It can lead to mental problems such as low self-esteem or depression.
If your child is obsessed with exercise, she may need medical treatment.
She may need to see a therapist or nutritionist.
Treatment can take months or years. Every person is different.
Parents can help by encouraging healthy eating and exercise habits. Do not
focus on weight or put pressure on your child to be the best person on the
team.
Coaches and trainers can help by learning about eating and exercise disorders.
Students should be trained in ways that discourage unhealthy eating and exercise
habits.
Call the doctor if you think your child is exercising too much or eating
too little.
References
CHOP. Exercise. 1996-2001 (cited 2002 May 21). URL: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/condition_section_index.jsp?id=-9466&printable=1
Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention. Athletics as a Risk Factor in
the Development of Eating Disorders. 1994 November 16 (cited 2002 May 21).
URL: http://www.edap.org/edinfo/athletes.html
Schneider J. Compulsive Exercise. KidsHealth. 2000 August (cited 2002 May
21). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=146&article_set=20251
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