I knew that eating disorders have an effect on fertility. I knew that being overweight and underweight have an effect on fertility. I also know about anorexia and bulimia. But exercise addiction? I hadn’t ever heard of it.
The whole back page of one of our newspaper segments was devoted to this “dangerous addiction”. I found a complementary article on www.active.com titled, “Know the signs of unhealthy exercise addiction”
Exercise addiction is like any other addiction. A brain response to exercising that causes the afflicted to deny all areas of life besides exercise. This can lead to being underweight, fatigue and overuse injuries. Also in females it can lead to amenorrhea which disrupts or halts the menstrual cycle.
From the above article, here are some questions to ask yourself to see if you are at risk for exercise addiction:
Have you gone over the edge?
Rate yourself as honestly as you can below with the following checklist:
I have missed important social obligations and family events in order to exercise.
I have given up other interests, including time with friends, in order to make more time to work out.
Missing a workout makes me irritable and depressed.
I only feel content when I am exercising or within the hour after exercising.
I like exercise better than sex, good food, or a movie — in fact there’s almost nothing I’d rather do.
I work out even if I’m sick, injured, or exhausted. I’ll feel better when I get moving anyway.
In addition to my regular schedule, I’ll exercise more if I find extra time.
Family and friends have told me I’m too involved in exercise.
I have a history (or a family history) of anxiety or depression.
If you have checked three or more of these items, you may be losing your perspective on running and working out. Exercise is healthy as long as it is in balance with a full life. Speak with a mental health professional or your doctor for help.
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