Is Exercise Addiction Real?
We have all seen people who are seemingly obsessed with exercise, diets, and fitness regimes, and sometimes we may wonder if they are overdoing it slightly.
Does this mean they have an addiction to exercise?
Is such a thing real? While it may not be a formally classified mental disorder, it shares many similarities to other behavioral addictions and can have harmful consequences. Although there is no single definition of exercise addiction, it is generally agreed that it comprises withdrawal, a buzz when exercising, impairs normal functioning, and can affect relationships; this is much the same as with other addictive behaviors.
Research is continuing into exercise addiction or excessive addiction as it is otherwise known, so it is likely to be better understood in the future.
What It Looks Like
- As with any other addiction, one of the main characteristics of exercise addiction is a compulsion, or a need, to engage in the behavior on a very frequent basis.
- This may include over-exercising several times a day or week, causing physical harm to oneself through too much exercise, and putting exercise before other important things in life.
- When not exercising, there is likely to be a withdrawal, which only fuels the need to exercise even more.
- Someone with an exercise addiction is also likely to avoid other normal aspects of day-to-day life, for fear of not exercising enough that day.
- They may lack motivation or interest in social activities that are not based around exercise, and find they retreat inwards, away from their social networks.
- Despite possibly causing injury to themselves, someone with an exercise addiction will continue no matter what. Even if they are injured and should be resting, they will more than likely engage in some form of exercise. The addiction and need to do some kind of exercise will be greater than the impact of the injury.
Getting Help
Exercise addiction, also known as excessive addiction, is a real behavioral addiction that shares similarities with other addictions. It is characterized by a compulsion to engage in excessive exercise, physical harm caused by over-exercising, withdrawal symptoms when not exercising, and a lack of interest in other aspects of life. While it is not a formally classified mental disorder, it can have harmful consequences and affect relationships.
Treatment for exercise addiction may not have a formal treatment plan, but there are treatments for other addictions that can be applied. The first step for recovery is for the individual to acknowledge and accept that they have a problem. Any injuries or health problems must be treated as a priority. The goal is to achieve a healthy balance of exercise and participation in day-to-day life, which may take a long time and require uncovering the root cause of the addiction. Building self-esteem and involving support networks can also play a role in recovery.
Initially, the addict must realize and accept they have a problem. Without this vital first step, any subsequent treatment is unlikely to work. If there are any injuries or health problems, whether associated to the exercise or not, these must be considered and treated as a priority. Next, the person needs to begin the long road of changing their thoughts and behaviors around exercise.
The ultimate aim is to get them to a place where they can engage in exercise a healthy amount, but still, fully participate in day-to-day life. This may take a long time, as the root cause of the addiction should be uncovered; if the addiction has been present for a long time, this may be very difficult to do, even with the support of a professional.
One of the challenges to this type of compulsion versus say drugs or alcohol is that in the later cases, the addict must abstain completely from using, but with exercise, the person can and should get back to exercise but learn balance and restraint.
If the person has low self-esteem, this will need to be built up in other ways, so they are able to get the same effect through another mechanism, not excessive exercise. The person’s family, friends, and support network should also be involved, as the addiction will have affected them. They are also the people who will be able to provide the greatest level of support to the individual, and hopefully create a change in them.
Bottom Line
Exercise addiction is a very real addiction, and should be treated like any other behavioral addiction as it shares the same characteristics and treatment options. Thankfully, the prognosis is positive once the person has accepted the addiction and is ready to work with others to bring about change.
