We all know exercise is good for you and those who exercise frequently are considered healthy. But when does a healthy habit turn into an addiction? Some people become so obsessed with physical activity that it can become physically dangerous to their health. Exercise compulsion is very similar to eating disorders and can be just as life threatening and psychologically damaging. Exercise addiction can be recognized as exercise dependence, exercise abuse, obligatory exercise, compulsive athleticism, or compulsive exercise.

People become addicted to exercise for numerous reasons-the drive to get or stay slim, low self esteem due to parents, peers, friends, or the media and some people can even become addicted to the “high” that exercising gives you. Others feel the need to have control over their lives and controlling their weight and body shape is just another aspect of control. Exercise addicts usually have a very particular exercising schedule and may exercise up to 5 or more hours a day every day of the week. Not only do most of these people exercise excessively, but they do not consume nearly enough calories to keep their bodies fueled. Addicts will even exercise when they are sick or injured and this can cause further health problems. Depending on the severity of the disease, some suffers miss work, school, and other obligations just to exercise. It is not only physically damaging, but losing ties with loved ones brings in an emotional aspect to this disorder. Interesting, exercise addiction has also become apparent in mice which were studied. In the study each mouse was allowed to run as much as it wanted for six days. On the seventh day the wheel was taken away and it was observed that the same brain regions which activate when you prevent the animals from getting their daily dose of cocaine, morphine, alcohol, or nicotine were all affected.

Exercise may also be a symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder if the goal of exercise is to relieve some other type of anxiety. Unfortunately, exercise dependence is not currently recognized by many psychiatric organizations which can make it hard for people to seek treatment. If you or someone you know is suffering from exercise addiction it is wise to first seek medical help from your doctor and he or she can recommend a specialist to help deal with the addiction.