Statistics show that most teens do not exercise enough. The 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 60 minutes of exercise for teens on most days of the week-a level of exercise that few teens attain. Yet there are teens that exercise too much. Those who exercise in excess are called "compulsive exercisers" or said to have "anorexia athletica."

There is a fine line between healthy exercise and compulsive exercising, but the difference is best explained by mind set. While healthy exercising is done for both pleasure and health benefits, compulsive exercising is done primarily to feel a sense of control over life. In adhering to a rigorous and inflexible workout schedule, those with compulsive exercise problems are able to cope with anxiety or low self-esteem. Exercise begins to become increasingly extreme, to control life rather than being a part of life. In fact, if injury, illness, or poor weather conditions cancel a workout, irritability, guilt or anxiety often result.

While teenagers who are compulsive exercisers do not always have disordered eating, many do. Anorexics may exercise compulsively to feel a sense of control over weight and bulimic teens may do so to counteract binge eating episodes.

There is no exact definition of how much exercise is too much, but compulsive exercisers work out at least two and often more times a day. This amount of exercise can cause physical and psychological harm such as:

  • Damage to tendons, ligaments, bones and joints
  • Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
  • Destruction of muscle mass, especially if nutritional intake is inadequate
  • Hormonal changes, resulting in loss of periods for girls and potential for premature bone loss
  • Stress to the heart, especially if nutritional intake is inadequate
  • Anxiety and depression
How do you know if your child is exercising too much? Some of the signs are:
  • Rigidity about workouts; won't skip a session even if ill or injured
  • Appears irritable or anxious if an exercise session is missed
  • Seems to take little pleasure in exercise; sees it as a means to lose weight or feel good about self
  • Obsessive interest in exercise, calories burnt, weight
  • Makes up exercise sessions if missed or exercises more if ate more
  • Significant weight loss
  • Skips social activities and even responsibilities in order to exercise
If your teenager has two or more of these signs or symptoms of eating disorders, it's worth a trip to her doctor to discuss your concerns. The sooner treatment is begun, the better chance of recovery from compulsive exercising.