People who are in good physical health are often admired for their dedication as well as for their physiques. As such, few people would look at someone who was jogging or working out in a gym and think there was a problem. But an increasing number of people are developing an unhealthy exercise obsession that is known as anorexia athletica.

"[Chris] Lamps [a child and adolescent psychologist] said there's no clear-cut, giveaway sign that someone is over-exercising, and that it's a broad spectrum of how well that person is functioning in the rest of their life that fits in with their overall health."

Exercise releases endorphins, which some people's bodies respond to in a manner similar to how people are affected by narcotics. These people can become addicted to what's known as the "runner's high." Often, people who are obsessed with exercise also restrict calories or begin purging. If a person's body is deteriorating from too much exercise, or he is making damaging sacrifices in other areas of life, they may have a serious problem. Source: News Leader (VA)

Labels: health, exercise, obsession

Posted By: Aspen Education Group