Exercise addiction is a compulsive need to engage in any form of physical activity regardless of adverse consequences like physical injury. This addiction is characterized by an inability to reduce exercise frequency or intensity and a reliance on exercise for emotional regulation and self-worth.

The symptoms of exercise addiction include irritability, anxiety, or depression when missing a workout, exercising despite harmful effects, inability to cease exercising despite negative outcomes, excessive exercise without adequate recovery, inability to reduce workout frequency or intensity, urges to exercise at inappropriate times, continuing to exercise despite injuries, and loss of control over exercise habits.

The negative effects of exercise addiction include severe weight loss, heightened risk of injury, onset of eating disorders, long-term damage to bones and muscles, emotional distress, and social and relationship problems.

The exercise withdrawal symptoms are anxiety, depression, irritability, muscle pains or aches, loss of appetite, sleep problems, and headaches.

Treatment options for exercise addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), medications when co-occurring mental health disorders are present, and lifestyle changes.

Exercise addiction is a behavioral disorder distinguished by a compulsive and excessive involvement in physical activity, damaging to one’s physical health and overall welfare.

People with this addiction show a loss of control over their exercise routines, continuing to engage in physically demanding activities despite negative outcomes like injury, illness, or major social and professional interruptions.

The estimated prevalence of exercise addiction among the exercising population ranges from 3% to 14%; however, this figure is subject to variation based on the specific population and exercise addiction measurement instrument utilized, as per a study by Trott et al., published in the July 2020 issue of Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.

Why is exercising addictive?

Exercising is addictive primarily due to the influence of brain chemicals that affect the body’s reward system. The chemicals endorphins and dopamine, which are linked to sensations of pleasure and euphoria, are released by the brain during physical activity.

While dopamine is a crucial part of the brain’s reward system, reinforcing activities that cause its release, endorphins function as natural painkillers and mood enhancers. A profound feeling of well-being and fulfillment, known as a “runner’s high,” is produced when endorphins and dopamine are combined.

People who consistently chase after these happy emotions become compulsive about working out, putting it ahead of other commitments and interests.

What are the symptoms of exercise addiction?

Symptoms of exercise addiction describe the precise indications and actions demonstrating unhealthy and compulsive relationship with physical activity. The symptoms of exercise addiction are listed below.

• Irritability, anxiety, or depression when missing a workout: When unable to exercise, individuals with exercise addiction often experience heightened irritability, anxiety, or depression. A 2017 study by Lichtenstein et al., published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management stated that the presence of withdrawal symptoms, such as irritation or other negative emotions, in response to reduced exercise is one of the six criteria used to evaluate compulsive exercise habits.
• Exercising despite harmful effects: Exercise addicts frequently continue their routines even when it causes physical, social, or psychological harm. They ignore injuries, conflicts, or other negative outcomes in favor of maintaining their workout regimen. This persistent behavior despite adverse effects highlights the addictive nature of their exercise habits.
• Inability to cease exercising despite negative outcomes: Despite recognizing the harmful consequences of their behavior, individuals find themselves unable to stop exercising. The compulsion to continue overrides their awareness of the damage being done. This symptom underscores the loss of control characteristic of addiction.
• Excessive exercise without adequate recovery: Addicted exercisers often engage in intense physical activity without allowing sufficient time for post-workout recovery. As the frequency and intensity of training increases, so does the duration required for the body to recuperate in order to facilitate adaptation and load compensation, as per a 2019 study by Bianco et al., published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. The study further asserted that in the absence of such a recovery period and with consistent exercise intensity and frequency, non-functional overreaching may develop. Decreased performance, neuroendocrine dysfunction, and psychological symptoms are all hallmarks of this condition.
• Inability to reduce workout frequency or intensity: Individuals struggle to cut back on how often or how hard they exercise, even if they want to or need to for health reasons. Regardless of the negative consequences this may have on their day-to-day lives, affected people exercise regularly, adhere to rigid schedules, and are hesitant to cut back or pause on their activities, according to a study by Tschopp et al., published in the April 2023 issue of Addiction & Health.
• Urges to exercise at inappropriate times: Those addicted to exercise often feel compelled to work out at unusual or inconvenient times, such as late at night or during important events. These urges disrupt their daily routines and social obligations. The need to exercise at odd times signifies the overwhelming priority given to physical activity.
• Continuing to exercise despite injuries: Individuals with exercise addiction often ignore injuries and continue to engage in physical activity, exacerbating their conditions. The disregard for physical harm in favor of maintaining their routine highlights the compulsive nature of their behavior. This persistence leads to long-term health issues.
• Loss of control over exercise habits: A hallmark of exercise addiction is the inability to regulate or limit exercise behavior. Despite the desire to cut back, individuals find themselves unable to do so. This lack of control signifies a profound compulsion and is a defining characteristic of addiction.

What are the causes of exercise addiction?

The causes of exercise addiction involve factors listed below.

• Genetics: Genetic predispositions play a significant role in the development of exercise addiction. Genetic factors influence the way neurotransmitters and reward pathways function, making certain individuals more susceptible to addiction. In fact, research on genetics indicates that the same genes that regulate substance preference also regulate the preference for behaviors that are intrinsically rewarding, such as exercise, according to a 2014 review by Aviv Weinstein and Yitzhak Weinstein in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Design.
• Neurological factors: Exercise triggers the release of brain chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins, which are associated with pleasure and reward. These neurological responses reinforce the behavior, making individuals seek out exercise to replicate the feelings of euphoria. One hypothesized biochemical mechanism underlying the impact of exercise on mood is the release of endorphins, which are naturally occurring opiates in the body, as per a 2011 study by Freimuth et al., published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The study further stated that the pleasant sensation of physical activity may lead to unforeseen outcomes. Regular intensive aerobic activity leads to an increase in endorphin production, which in turn causes the brain to decrease its own production of endorphins. In the event of this occurrence, the individual will be required to persist with the exercise in order to uphold the inherent balance in the brain.
• Negative peers: Being surrounded by peers who similarly exhibit unhealthy exercise behaviors contribute to the development of exercise addiction. Negative social influences and peer pressure encourage excessive and compulsive exercise habits. The desire to fit in or gain approval from these peers further entrench addictive behaviors.
• Low self-esteem: People who have low self-esteem and experience significant levels of psychological discomfort are more prone to developing exercise dependence. These individuals frequently employ excessive physical activity as a coping method to manage emotional distress and feelings of inferiority, according to a 2021 study by Wågan et al., published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
• Low levels of social conformity: There is empirical data indicating that reduced levels of social conformity contribute to the development of exercise addiction, according to a 2011 study titled, “Clarifying Exercise Addiction: Differential Diagnosis, Co-occurring Disorders, and Phases of Addiction” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Exercise is one way for those who don’t fit in with society’s norms and ideals to vent their nonconformity. This rebelliousness shows itself as an intense commitment to fitness, frequently going above and beyond accepted societal or medical norms. The desire to stand out or differentiate oneself drives excessive exercise habits.

When does exercise become an addiction?

Exercise becomes an addiction when it transcends the boundary of healthy physical activity and evolves into a compulsive behavior that individuals feel powerless to control. This shift usually happens when exercising becomes more essential than maintaining connections with others, fulfilling work obligations, and general well-being.

Signs of addiction include continuing to exercise despite injuries, experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or irritability when unable to work out, and an inability to reduce the frequency or intensity of workouts despite negative consequences.

The behavior is characterized by a loss of control, when the need to exercise takes precedence over sound judgment and results in excessive and continuous physical activity regardless of the risks involved.

Who is at risk of exercise addiction?

Individuals at risk of exercise addiction include those with a genetic predisposition to addictive behaviors, people with personality traits such as perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, bulimia, and those suffering from depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Those with a genetic predisposition to addictive behaviors have an increased susceptibility to compulsive exercise patterns. An association between exercise addiction and various personal characteristics, including depression, perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, was identified by Minutillo et al., in their 2024 literature review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry.

The report further detailed that there is a significant correlation between perfectionism and exercise addiction (EA). Highly perfectionistic individuals hold themselves and others to unattainable standards, which frequently results in feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism when these standards are not achieved. Individuals with this characteristic engage in compulsive exercise in an effort to attain their ideal body image and performance objectives.

The difference between a person’s ideal and perceived body image is known as body dissatisfaction, and it is a major risk factor for eating disorders and exercise addiction. People who are unhappy with their bodies are more likely to exercise too much in an attempt to change the size and shape of their bodies.

Exercise addiction and depression frequently coexist. Depression symptoms are common in people with EA, and these symptoms both contribute to and result from their addictive behaviors. Exercise serves as a coping strategy for depressed people, but the obsessive nature of EA additionally exacerbates psychological discomfort and worsen symptoms of depression.

Furthermore, those who suffer from an addiction to exercise often exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors. These characteristics—rigorous routines, an intense demand for control, and repetitive behaviors—translate into obsessive workout habits.

There is a positive correlation between the development of EA in individuals and obsessive-compulsive personality characteristics. This association is especially pronounced in those with high self-efficacy, which reinforces the belief that they are able to sustain their exercise regimens despite negative outcomes.

There was a positive correlation between exercise addiction and both bulimia and drive for thinness, as per a study by Gori et al., published in the September 2021 issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

A high drive for thinness is characterized by an intense dread of gaining weight and a strong desire to be thin. This trait increases the likelihood that an individual is going to develop exercise addiction. The observed correlation between this particular factor and exercise addiction suggests that compulsive exercise behaviors result from the desire to attain a certain level of thinness.

Finally, exercise addiction is associated with a higher incidence of bulimia symptoms, such as binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors like excessive exercise. The study discovered a link between exercise addiction and bulimia, indicating that people use exercise to control or offset their bulimic habits.

What are the negative effects of exercise addiction?

Negative effects of exercise addiction refer to the harmful physical, psychological, and social consequences that arise from an excessive and compulsive engagement in physical activity. The negative effects of exercise addiction are listed below.

• Severe weight loss: Exercise addiction leads to extreme weight loss, as individuals often burn more calories than they consume. This imbalance results in malnutrition and a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to illnesses. The drastic reduction in body weight causes hormonal imbalances and negatively impacts overall health as well.
• Heightened risk of injury: Engaging in excessive exercise increases the likelihood of sustaining injuries due to overuse and insufficient recovery time. In fact, according to a study by Bianco et al., published in the December 2019 issue of the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, due to improper healing processes and persistent misuse, exercise addiction raises the likelihood and severity of musculoskeletal injuries. Injury to the bones, tendons, and ligaments result in conditions such as epicondylitis, stress fractures, and rotator cuff tendinosis.
• Onset of eating disorders: Those addicted to exercise are likely to develop eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, as they become fixated on maintaining a certain body weight or physique. A 2020 study by Trott et al., published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that exercise addiction scores were substantially higher in those who reported having an eating disorder. Exercise addiction was more than 3.5 times as common in participants with eating disorders.
• Long-term damage to bones and muscles: Continuous overexertion without adequate rest causes lasting damage to the bones and muscles, leading to conditions such as osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. The body’s inability to repair and rebuild tissues result in chronic pain and mobility issues. These long-term effects significantly reduce the quality of life. Repetitive microtraumas resulting from excessive sports activities produce peripheral neuropathies, as per a 2019 study titled, “The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Overtraining and Exercise Addiction” from the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. Overuse injuries affect nerves in numerous parts of the body, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and lower limbs. They are caused by repetitive motions performed too frequently, straining muscles, and not getting enough rest.
• Emotional distress: The psychological dependence on exercise for emotional regulation creates a cycle of negative feelings. This emotional turmoil further entrenches addictive behaviors, making recovery challenging. A study by Lichtenstein et al., published in the June 2018 issue of the journal Addictive Behaviors Reports found that recreational exercisers who were at a high risk of developing an exercise addiction additionally reported higher levels of emotional stress and depressive symptoms, and this association appeared to be worse in the presence of musculoskeletal injuries.
• Social and relationship problems: The obsessive focus on exercise leads to social isolation and strained relationships, as individuals prioritize their workout routines over spending time with loved ones. Important social events and professional commitments are often neglected, causing friction and misunderstandings. The lack of balance between exercise and social life leads to isolation and diminished support networks.

Why is exercise addiction a problem?

Exercise addiction is a problem because it throws off the careful balance between leading a healthy lifestyle and endangering one’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. Physically, it leads to severe injuries, chronic pain, and long-term damage to the body’s bones and muscles due to overexertion and insufficient recovery time.

Psychologically, the addiction feeds depression, anxiety, and unstable emotions since people start depending on exercise to control their emotions and feel good about themselves. Socially, relationships and responsibilities often suffer, as the obsessive need to exercise takes precedence over personal connections and professional obligations.

The compounding consequences of these adverse impacts not just degrades the standard of living but additionally establishes a self-perpetuating pattern of reliance that is challenging to overcome, becoming exercise addiction a substantial health issue.

What are the exercise withdrawal symptoms?

Exercise withdrawal symptoms refer to the physical and psychological effects experienced by individuals when they abruptly reduce or cease their regular exercise routines. The most common exercise withdrawal symptoms are listed below.

• Anxiety: When regular exercise is suddenly reduced or stopped, individuals experience heightened levels of anxiety. Compulsive exercise and anxiety are positively correlated, according to a study by Weinstein et al., published in the December 2015 issue of the Journal of Behavioral Addictions. This correlation remains valid for persons who engage in regular physical activity, whether it be for professional or recreational reasons. The research demonstrated that, contrary to popular belief, people who engage in obsessive exercise practices are possibly more susceptible to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
• Depression: Exercise withdrawal results in depressive symptoms as the body no longer receives the regular endorphin and dopamine boosts that contribute to mood elevation. Results of a 2023 study by Tschopp et al., in the journal Addiction & Health showed that a significant proportion (52%) of individuals who were at risk of developing exercise addiction were found to have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), a rate that surpasses the lifetime incidence of MDD in the general population (15-30%). Exercise addiction preceded the start of MDD in 63% of cases (10 out of 16 subjects).
• Irritability: Individuals become increasingly irritable when they are unable to engage in their usual exercise routines. The frustration and agitation stem from both the psychological craving for exercise and the physical discomfort associated with withdrawal. This irritability strains relationships and affects daily functioning.
• Muscle pains or aches: Sudden cessation of exercise leads to muscle pains or aches as the body adjusts to the lack of physical activity. These pains are often a result of built-up tension and the body’s previous exertions without proper recovery. This discomfort is a physical manifestation of the withdrawal process.
• Loss of appetite: Withdrawal from exercise potentially impacts appetite, leading to a decreased desire to eat. Exercise training over an extended period of time may modify the appetite control system, improving meal-induced satiety, according to a study by Dorling et al., published in the September 2018 issue of Nutrients. There is conflicting evidence about how long-term exercise affects appetite and total energy intake; whereas certain studies report increased appetite, others report no change or a decrease in appetite.
• Sleep problems: Individuals experiencing exercise withdrawal have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in poor sleep quality. Regular physical activity typically promotes better sleep patterns, and its absence disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This is supported by a 2023 mini-review by Shah et al., in the Journal of Thoracic Disease, which found that even while exercise generally improves sleep, professional athletes frequently report lower sleep quantity and quality as a result of factors like travel, training schedules, and psychological stress.
• Headaches: Headaches occur as a withdrawal symptom when regular exercise is halted. These headaches are possibly related to increased stress levels, changes in blood flow, or withdrawal from the endorphin boosts associated with exercise. The discomfort from headaches adds to the overall physical and mental distress experienced during withdrawal.

What are the treatments for exercise addiction?

The treatments for exercise addiction are listed below.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Presently, exercise addiction treatment approaches rely predominantly on cognitive-behavioral principles that have been applied to the management of other behavioral addictions, a study by Freimuth et al., published in the October 2011 issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health explained. Regardless of the ultimate therapeutic approach, early detection of this issue will facilitate its management. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) identifies and modifies maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. Through CBT, individuals learn to recognize the triggers and irrational beliefs that drive their compulsive exercise habits. Healthy coping mechanisms and attainable fitness objectives are two areas in which therapists help their patients excel.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): An additional effective treatment that integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral techniques is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT teaches clients skills like distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help them manage the emotional dysregulation that is frequently associated with exercise addiction. Through DBT, patients learn to balance acceptance and change, addressing both their need for control and their emotional responses.
• Medications: In certain cases, medications are prescribed to address co-occurring mental health conditions that contribute to exercise addiction, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Medication is a crucial part of an all-encompassing treatment approach, even though it is not a stand-alone remedy. They give people the mental stability they need to participate in therapy and other forms of recovery more successfully.
• Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle adjustments is essential to treating exercise addiction since it entails creating a more positive relationship with exercise and well-being in general. This includes creating healthy workout schedules, adding rest days, and looking into alternate pastimes and interests. As part of lifestyle modifications, nutrition counseling makes sure that the diet is well-balanced and promotes general health and rehabilitation. Additionally crucial are creating a network of supporting people and taking part in leisure and self-care activities.

How can exercise addiction be prevented?

Exercise addiction can be prevented primarily by recognizing the early signs of addictive behaviors and seeking the guidance of a mental health professional. Early indicators such as an overwhelming compulsion to exercise, neglect of other responsibilities, and distress when unable to work out must prompt individuals to seek help.

Working with a mental health expert helps one find the right balance in their exercise routine so that it continues to be a positive component of their overall health. Regular check-ins with a therapist or counselor help individuals stay aware of their motivations and behaviors related to physical activity.

People are able to prevent themselves from being addicted to exercise and improve their general well-being by addressing these problems early and getting professional help.

Is there a relation between exercise addiction and energy drink addiction?

Yes, there is a relation between exercise addiction and energy drink addiction. Both behaviors are motivated by a fundamental need for heightened performance, elevated energy levels, and enhanced mood.

Individuals addicted to exercise are likely to turn to energy drinks to sustain their intense workout routines and counteract fatigue, creating a dependency on the stimulant effects of these beverages. Increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep problems are just a few of the negative health effects and addictive behaviors brought on by the stimulants and caffeine found in energy drinks.

The co-occurrence of energy drink addiction and exercise addiction intensifies the physiological and psychological consequences for the individual. Addiction becomes even more entrenched and a healthy lifestyle becomes more difficult to achieve as a result.

Is there a relation between exercise addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Yes, there is a relation between exercise addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This assertion finds support in the results of a 2023 study by Tang et al., from the journal Behavioral Sciences, which found that increased levels of traits found in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) were linked to a higher likelihood of developing exercise addiction. Self-efficacy played a moderating role in the connection between OCPD features and exercise addiction.

Furthermore, both conditions involve compulsive behaviors and an overwhelming need to perform certain activities to alleviate anxiety or achieve a sense of control. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder are likely to develop exercise addiction as a way to manage their intrusive thoughts and reduce anxiety, finding temporary relief in the repetitive nature of physical activity.

Similarly, those addicted to exercise exhibit obsessive behaviors and rigid routines characteristic of OCD, such as an inability to skip a workout or a compulsion to meet specific fitness goals.

Is exercise addiction a coping mechanism?

Yes, exercise addiction serves as a coping mechanism for certain individuals who turn to exercise as a way to manage emotional challenges, finding temporary relief in the endorphin and dopamine boosts that physical activity provides.

Over time, this reliance on exercise for emotional regulation evolves into an addictive behavior, where the individual feels compelled to maintain or increase their activity levels to cope with negative feelings.

Although helpful at first, this coping mechanism turns maladaptive when an obsessive emphasis on exercise starts to interfere with relationships, career, and general health. Exercise is a coping technique that needs to be carefully managed to prevent it from becoming harmful.

 

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