Exercising and Eating
When to say “No” to over-exercising and “Yes” to basic health
According to the May 2002 Nutrition Research Newsletter, approximately 80 percent of patients with anorexia nervosa and 55 percent of patients with bulimia nervosa compulsively exercise. Female eating disorder patients who exercise report higher levels of psychological distress and psychopathological traits than non-exercisers.
Compulsive exercising is only one of the many facets that can be linked to eating disorders. Compulsive or excessive exercising occurs when an individual repeatedly exercises beyond the requirements of what is considered safe, often times finding time to exercise at any expense. Cutting school, missing work or even exercising in the middle of the night can become routine. Although compulsive exercise is not always a symptom of an eating disorder, many individuals who suffer from eating disorders exercise excessively to alleviate feelings of anxiety and guilt from eating or binging. Burning calories, achieving a certain body type, meeting athletic goals or giving themselves permission to eat can be reasons for compulsive exercising.
Satisfaction ceases to exist for compulsive exercisers as they immediately look for the next physical task to accomplish. Often times, criticism of the individual results in training sessions then taking place at unusual places and times, such as in the shower or in bed. This trend leads to higher anxiety and guilt over their actions as calories continue to be counted and health concerns continue to rise.
Exercising compulsively bears great physical risks, adding to the already long list of health concerns associated with eating disorders. One of the greatest concerns is the high physical demand caused by compulsive exercising. Heart problems, osteoporosis, severe dehydration, amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle), reproductive problems and stress fractures can result from a lack of rest and recuperation of the body. Permanent damage can also occur to muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints due to unnecessary repetition. Compulsive exercise often leads to malnourishment as a result of the physical activity simulating purging, where the body is being deprived of nourishment. This also leaves compulsive exercisers prone to infections and fatigue.