EA is a behavioral addiction characterized by an obsessive obsession with fitness and exercise. This tendency is commonly called “exercise addiction” (EA). Emotional addiction is more likely to hide beneath the surface than other types of addiction. In a society that values fitness, medical practitioners may struggle to identify and treat maladaptive exercise habits (Kurimay et al., n.d.). This is because society associates fitness with health and prosperity.
A drawback of exercise addiction
Exercise addiction, body image issues, and food disorders interact in a complex way, causing a multifaceted conflict.
Skewed perception: exercise addicts often misperceive their bodies. Representations of the body are distorted in body image disorders. Even if they are healthy, they may feel lacking.
Preoccupation with an idealized body is called “chasing an ideal.” Their fitness never quite suits the situation. The mirror portrays an unattainable image, not reality.
Their self-worth depends on others’ opinions of their appearance. Their self-worth depends on their beauty, according to this notion. Every workout challenges one’s self-worth, and the gym becomes a place to test skills.
Eating disorders: caloric obsession: exercise addicts track their calorie burn. Eating disorder sufferers often do this (Healthline, 2024). To counteract exercise, meals are calculated, and the food-exercise equation is expressed mathematically.
Underlying factors
Physical activity Numerous factors can contribute to addiction, including Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins promote activity; furthermore, they are one of the physiologic variables that reinforce exercise. According to Begun (n.d.), some people may be genetically predisposed to addiction. This tendency may run in families. Brain reward processes: The brain’s reward system for physical exercise may cause dependence.
Effect on the brain
Perfectionism—high standards and a demand for control—drives excessive exercise. Body dissatisfaction: The need to dislike one’s body stems from the desire to change. Using coping methods like physical activity might help avoid stressors. In addition,
Considerations in social and environmental settings include people being encouraged to exercise because society values fitness (Begun, n.d.). Exercise clubs and fitness communities may encourage addictive habits due to peer pressure.
Media and celebrity body idealizations add to infatuation. It has effects on normal brain functioning. Neuroadaptations: Overexercising changes neurotransmitters and reward circuitry in the brain. Excessive exercise adapts your brain.
The effects on individual and social health
Excessive physical exertion can cause injury, fatigue, and immune system damage. Excessive exercise can lead to social isolation and strained relationships. Physical activity addiction prevents workers from attending work or school, hurting production (The Guardian, 2024). Physical exercise addiction prevents work or school attendance. Addiction causes anxiety, guilt, and depression. A gym membership, training equipment, and fitness classes can be expensive.
The stigma associated with physical activity addiction may delay the diagnosis and treatment of EA. EA’s nature causes this. Recognizing physical exercise as an addiction risks stigma. Because stigmatization is possible, physical activity is often considered beneficial, making it difficult to identify excessive physical activity as a problem.
Finding Balance: Interventions must balance preventing excessive exercise with supporting healthy exercise. Addressing this difficulty is necessary. Maintaining moderation is essential.
Conclusion
Despite being a hidden addiction, exercise addiction has disastrous effects. Healthcare providers must balance the two themes to manage excessive exercise without stigmatizing people. If we promote moderate activity and health, we may create an environment that supports people with this hidden addiction.
References
Begun, A. (n.d.). Theories and Biological Basis of Substance Misuse, Part 1 [PDF].
Healthline. (2024). Exercise Addiction: What Is It and How Can You Heal?
Kurimay, T., Griffiths, M. D., Berczik, K., & Demetrovics, Z. (n.d.). Exercise addiction: the dark side of sports and exercise. In D. A. Baron, C. L. Reardon, & S. H. Baron (Eds.), Clinical sports psychiatry: An international perspective (pp. 33–43), Wiley Blackwell.
The Guardian. (2024). Bigger, stronger, faster: how my exercise addiction nearly killed me.
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