What is Exercise Bulimia?

We all hit hit the gym for different reasons. Some want to have the body of their dreams - thin waistline, hourglass body, and plenty of muscles. Others do so for health purposes. But, in the process of pursuing these goals, how much is too much exercise? 

You may have heard of the eating disorder bulimia, where an individual obsessed with having a super thin figure will go on a eating spree, only to feel extremely guilty minutes later and induce the body into vomiting everything out. Add exercise into the mix, and you'll have the term exercise bulimia, where the scenario is similar except that the individual is obsessed with exercising!

Exercise is generally a healthy habit and it's often prescribed as a common method to prevent life-threatening diseases, but when an activity starts taking a negative hold of your life (including exercise), it should set off warning bells and demand your attention. These are some red flags of exercise bulimia;

• Keeping a sharp eye on the amount of burnt calories while exercising
• Getting angry/frustrated over missed workouts
• Missing important events over exercise
• Constantly weighing yourself and committing to exercise even more
• Becoming angry at those who comment over your exercise routine

Like any other forms of sicknesses, exercise bulimia has its own set of complications if not treated immediately. First, over exercising places your joints and bones under heavy stress, giving way to fractures, arthritis, and chronic joint pain in the future. Second, contrary to popular belief, exercising more than needed DOES NOT make you healthier. In fact, it will weaken your immune system as your body has been pushed to a point of exhaustion, paving the way for easily preventable sickness to take hold. Third, women may experience infertility as there isn't sufficient fats to keep the reproductive system going. 

If you think that you have exercise bulimia, don't panic. Talk to a doctor or medical professional about your eating and exercising routine so that they can formulate a plan to help you. Consulting a psychologist may also be helpful in addressing the psychological aspect of seeing your body in a positive and healthier light.