Compulsive or obligatory exercising, also known as anorexia athletica, is a disorder in which a person is compelled to exercise beyond what is considered normal and healthy. The individual with anorexia athletica typically suffers with serious underlying issues of anxiety, stress, depression and/or anger stemming from poor self- image. The extra exercise is a misguided attempt to gain a temporary sense of power and self-control.
Although anorexia athletica is not recognized in the same way that anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders are, the disorders often go hand in hand. It is not unusual for those with this disorder to be preoccupied with food and body weight.
For the compulsive exerciser, self-esteem is tied to their workouts or athletic performance. He or she continually thinks or talks about exercise, weight gain or loss and what to eat or not to eat.
People with anorexia athletica are driven to exercise, rather than getting enjoyment from the workout. They will turn down invitations to social events or avoid spending time with friends and family in order to exercise, and often hide the truth about how much time is spent working out.
Symptoms of anorexia athletica include:
– Finding ways to exercise despite injury or sickness.
– Dissatisfaction with performance or athletic achievements, mind- set of pushing harder or doing better.
– Lying about or justifying excessive amounts of time spent exercising. She may define herself as an athlete or insist excessive workouts are healthy.
– Mood swings. Changes in mood, including irritability, anger or anxiety can be brought about if the person is not able to exercise, or can be caused by continually overtraining.
– Workouts regularly exceed the intensity, frequency or duration required for good health.
– Preoccupation with working out, body fat/weight and diet.
– Avoiding or taking time from relationships, work, school and other obligations to exercise.
– Feeling driven to exercise, forgetting that physical activity can be enjoyable.
– Self-esteem rests on workout performance.
The health consequences, mental and physical, are numerous for those with compulsive exercise disorder. The cumulative effect of regular excessive exercise weakens the body, rather than strengthens it.
Health concerns include:
– Dry hair and skin; hair loss.
– Damage to bone, loss of bone density, leading to osteoporosis; stress fractures.
– Digestive difficulties.
– Slowed heart rate and low blood pressure.
– Dehydration and possible kidney problems.
– Depression, chronic tiredness, fatigue.
– Difficulty sleeping, insomnia.
– Muscle and joint weakness and damage, suppressed immune function. This is caused by repeated bouts of exercise without proper rest and recovery time.
– Vitamin/mineral deficiencies, muscle loss because of rigid eating behaviors.
– Women who exercise too much may develop amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle).
– Heart problems. Too much exercise is bad for the heart, especially if combined with an eating disorder.
– Too much exercise can lead to the release of excessive free radicals, which have been linked to cellular mutations and cancer.
For those suffering with body-image disorders, treatment can help to re-establish a healthy relationship with food and exercise. An estimated 80 percent of those who seek professional help make significant progress or recover completely.
Marjie Gilliam is an International Sports Sciences Association master certified personal trainer and fitness consultant. She owns Custom Fitness Personal Training Services. Write to her in care of the Dayton Daily News or contact her at 878-9018 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Her Web site is marjie.hypermart.net.
(c) 2005 Marjie Gilliam
PARENTS CAN HELP
More and more, compulsive exercise and eating disorders affect youngsters. A child’s self esteem is easily influenced by remarks made by parents and peers and by the media. Tips for parents:
– Do not focus on a child’s weight. Instead, set a good example by encouraging healthy foods and fun activities.
– If your child is overweight, don’t continually dwell on foods he cannot have.
Emphasize healthy choices. For example, let your child choose which favorite fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks she would like you to buy when grocery shopping. Allow the child to help you fix healthy meals.
– Participate in physical activities with your child when possible and make exercise fun. Encourage activities with family and friends, such as bike riding or a day at the pool, or head to the park for a walk or friendly game of baseball or volleyball.
Children take their cues from you and will often emulate what they see and hear. Avoid making negative comments or dwelling on your or someone else’s weight issues or appearance in front of your child. Focus on your child’s positive attributes.
– Avoid putting pressure on your child to perform. Instead, give support. Emphasize your child’s strengths and guide him patiently through difficulties. Children are eager to please, and even a little praise will go a long way toward building self-confidence.
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