The Mandel Center of Arizona - Compulsive Over-excercising

Anorexia
Bulimia
Eating Order Not Otherwise Specified
Binge Eating Disorder
Compulsive Over-exercising
Depression
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Drug Abuse and Addiction
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Couples Counseling

Compulsive Over-excercising

“To maintain cardiovascular health, 2,000-3,500 calories should be burned each week through aerobic exercises, such as running, dancing, cycling and the like. Thirty to forty-five minutes a day, five or six days a week is sufficient to acquire these health benefits. Exercise beyond 3,500 calories per week, however, leads to decreased physical benefits and increased risk of injury.” – “Compulsive Exercising,” UPenn Office of Health Promotion and Education

“Those who compulsively exercise often work out to attain a temporary sense of power and self-control. Some over-exercisers are also anorexic or bulimic, and cope with their emotions and anxiety through excessive exercise in addition to their eating disorder. Participation in athletics or dance can also play a role, as coaches, parents, and other participants stress that being thin is necessary to succeed within the activity. Those involved in sports or dance may also receive a great deal of praise for being so “fit and trim” which can fuel the destructive behavior.” - “Compulsive Exercising,” UPenn Office of Health Promotion and Education

“The risks with this disorder are both physical and emotional. All too often, a sufferer may see deterioration of their personal relationships or failure at work or school. Many who exercise compulsively become socially withdrawn.

The physical risks are numerous. A very real risk with this disorder is dehydration if the sufferer is not drinking enough fluids. Over-exercise can also lead to insomnia, depression, and fatigue. Additional physical side effects include muscular and skeletal injuries, like shin splints, bone fractures, arthritis, or damage to cartilage and ligaments. Too much exercise can lead to the release of excessive free radicals, which have been linked to cellular mutations and cancer. Females may no longer menstruate, a condition called amenorrhea.” - “Compulsive Exercising,” UPenn Office of Health Promotion and Education

For more information, please see the University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Promotion and Education.