Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about addiction treatment.
Need help finding treatment? Free, confidential support.
Overview
Exercise addiction occurs when physical activity becomes compulsive and excessive, performed despite injury, illness, or negative consequences to physical and mental health, relationships, and daily functioning. It may co-occur with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, or other mental health conditions.
Signs
You don't have to face this alone.
Reach out today for free, confidential support finding treatment.
- Exercising despite injury or illness
- Severe distress when unable to exercise
- Prioritizing workouts over relationships and obligations
- Exercising to "earn" or "purge" food
- Increasing exercise duration or intensity to achieve the same psychological effect
- Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, guilt, irritability) when missing a workout
Treatment
- CBT
- Collaborative development of healthy exercise plans with medical providers
- Treatment of co-occurring eating disorders or body image issues
- Nutritional counseling
- Gradual restoration of balanced activity patterns
Find Balance in Your Fitness Routine
Related Resources
FindAddictionTreatments.com provides informational content and referral services. We are not a treatment facility. Individual treatment outcomes vary. No specific results are guaranteed.
National Resources: SAMHSA National Helpline | 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | SAMHSA Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov