As part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, this article–along with several upcoming posts–aims to educate parents, educators and coaches about eating disorders that commonly affect high school athletes. This article will discuss the eating disorder exercise bulimia, a disorder that affects both female and male athletes.
What is Exercise Bulimia?
Exercise bulimia is a subset of bulimia nervosa where a person attempts to get rid of calories by exercising excessively. It is also called exercise addiction or anorexia athletica.
Many of us increase our physical activity to lose weight, which isn’t abnormal. People with exercise bulimia take it to unnecessary extremes, however, exercising for hours at a time. He or she, when questioned about the behavior, may claim the excessive exercise is necessary to perform better in a sport, such as running or swimming. Many people who develop exercise bulimia are athletes.
According to Santa Clara University, this eating disorder typically develops in early adulthood in both sexes. Women and men between the ages of 17 to 21 face the highest risk for this disorder; this risk is higher for people who are involved in sports where physical performance is very important.
Signs of Exercise Bulimia
Catching exercise bulimia in its early stages increases the chances of a smoother, safer recovery from the disorder. Parents, educators and coaches play a vital role in recognizing this disorder, as most high school athletes with this disorder do not recognize how serious it is.
Signs of exercise bulimia include:
* Exercising for hours a day, even when their sport of choice does not require it.
* Going to the gym multiple times a day to work out.
* Obsessing about how many calories they burn through exercise.
* Frequently skipping classes, appointments and social events to exercise.
* Exercising even when they are sick or injured.
* Refusing to take days off from exercise.
* Basing their self-worth by how long they exercise on any given day.
* Becoming extremely upset or anxious when forced to miss an exercise session.
Although regular exercise is healthy, exercise bulimics develop an addiction for it–using it as an inappropriate way to cope with feelings or poor body image issues.
Effects of Exercise Bulimia
While moderate exercise can improve a person’s health, exercising too much can cause unhealthy side effects. These side effects include:
* An increase in minor injuries, such as sprains or strains
* Increased fatigue
* Decreased physical performance
* Elevated cortisol levels
* Period loss, or amenorrhea
* Lower testosterone levels
* Persistent muscle soreness
* Excessive loss of weight or body fat
* Increased resting heart rate
* Loss of motivation or enthusiasm
* Depression
Many of these side effects can be reversed through recovery.
Does Your Child Have Exercise Bulimia?
If you fear your child or student has exercise bulimia, get help by calling 1-800-931-2237, the Natonal Eating Disorders Association’s helpline. You can also look for treatment providers by searching their website.
Remember, exercise bulimia is a serious eating disorder, and although your child may make excuses or resist help, professional help will help them live healthier, more productive lives.
Ann Olson is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer, bodybuilder and blogger who regularly advocates for better awareness of eating disorders in the diet and bodybuilding industry. She is also a supporter of the Health at Every Size movement.
Sources:
Santa Clara University
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)