Compulsive Exercise Disorder
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Compulsive exercise, often referred to as anorexia athletica, obligatory exercise, and exercise addiction, can be as severe as other eating disorders. In fact, compulsive exercise often occurs alongside other types of eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia. Exercising too much can eventually lead to injury, unsafe weight loss, and even malnutrition. As a result, those suffering from this disorder require appropriate compulsive exercise treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Compulsive Exercise Disorder
For the average person, it can be difficult to tell the difference between someone that’s dedicated to fitness and someone with an exercise addiction. It’s important to keep an eye out for the following signs to know if you or your loved one has a problem:
- Engaging in exercise beyond the requirements for good health
- Stealing time to exercise from work, school, and relationships
- Striving to achieve and master increasingly difficult challenges
- Defining self-worth in terms of body image and shape
- Never or rarely feeling satisfied with athletic achievements; small satisfactions are fleeting, and the individual does not savor victory, but rather, pushes on to the next challenge immediately
- Justifying excessive behavior by defining self as a “special” elite athlete
Health Consequences of Compulsive Exercise Disorder
Compulsive exercise can be serious and cause real and devastating health consequences such as:
- Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
- Loss of menstrual cycle
- Chronic joint and bone pain
- Altered resting heart rate
- Increased frequency of illness
- Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
How We Treat
Finding support for compulsive exercise and disordered eating can be a challenge, however the compassionate staff at Magnolia Creek is ready to help. We work hard to create a welcoming, safe environment that offers evidence-based treatment including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Guided Imagery
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Psychoeducation
If you’d like to learn more about our compulsive exercise disorder treatment program, our caring staff is ready to help. Call us or fill out the form to get started today.
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