Exercise Addiction: Is it real? Can it be treated? Get help today

Key Points:

• Exercise addiction is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, as its behaviors are considered symptoms of other recognized behavioral disorders. 

• Exercise addiction is viewed as a real phenomenon, characterized by compulsive and excessive exercise that can have negative physical, psychological and/or social impacts. 

• CrossFit, with community-based factors that can lead to increased social pressures, may particularly lead to compulsive behaviors. 

• Over-exercising can negatively impact both mental and physical health

• Treatment for exercise addiction may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including counseling with a therapist that specializes in treating behavioral addictions. 

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Is there such a thing as too much exercise? While regular physical activity is considered a healthy part of a daily routine for most individuals, there is a point where over-exercising can become detrimental. The term “exercise addiction” has been debated among medical professionals for some time, with many feeling that it warrants its own diagnosis and others arguing that compulsive exercise is merely a symptom of other diagnosable mental health disorders. Despite this ongoing discussion, it is clear that exercise addiction can result in serious long-term consequences without appropriate treatment.

Can someone really get addicted to exercise? 

Exercise addiction is a term that many use to describe the compulsive urge to work out, despite negative or adverse consequences. Many studies have been conducted on the benefits of exercise, including production of a chemical in the brain, beta-endorphins, that increases feelings of happiness and reduces pain. 

Other addictive substances have also been found to increase endorphin production, which can make stopping them more difficult. While there is no formal diagnosis for exercise addiction, medical professionals agree that it can be a symptom of other mental health diagnoses and cause severe mental, physical and emotional damage to an individual who is struggling with compulsive exercise behavior.  

Is exercise addiction a diagnosable disorder?

Exercise addiction is not a diagnosis is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The DSM-5 indicated that compulsive exercise can be a symptom of other behavioral addictions, an excessive behavioral pattern that is related to other diagnoses. It has been mentioned that excessive exercise may be a symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) states that compulsive exercise is often a feature in other eating disorders, such as a compulsory symptom of bulimia, used to work off excessive food consumption. What is clear to professionals is that compulsive over-exercising is a maladaptive behavior that can require intervention to prevent long-term damage. 

CrossFit Addiction and social factors at play

There has also been talk specifically about the potentially addictive nature of “CrossFit” workouts, which include social dynamics that can lead to peer pressure to continue working out. There is growing evidence that exercise addiction can occur among those who do CrossFit, with measurable rates of addiction-like behaviors and associated psychological risks. While CrossFit is often praised for its community and fitness benefits, some individuals may develop unhealthy, compulsive exercise patterns.

Some studies found that about 5% of CrossFit participants met criteria for exercise addiction, with higher risk among young males. Another study reported a higher prevalence risk of exercise dependence at 18.6% among male CrossFit participants, with those at risk often motivated by appearance concerns. Exercise addiction in CrossFit is linked to behaviors such as exercising despite injury, feeling guilt when unable to exercise, and turning passion into obsession. The role of community within CrossFit groups can exacerbate these risks, as social pressures may compel individuals to continue working out despite negative impacts. 

Signs and symptoms of exercise addiction

Without a set of diagnostic criteria, it can be difficult to identify exercise addiction. There are certain symptoms and behaviors that may indicate someone is struggling with compulsive exercise. These signs may include:

• Exercise takes priorities over other responsibilities

• Continuing to exercise despite injury or medical risks 

• Feelings of guilt, anxiety, depression, irritability or distress if unable to exercise

• Needing to increase length of time or intensity of workouts to feel satisfied

• Workouts are often monotonous or inflexible in variety

• Using exercise as a form of “purging” (get rid of or burn off all calories from food)

• Exercise occurs in secret or you hide how often/much you workout from others

• Feeling like you need to workout instead of wanting to

• Workout regimens that negatively impacts relationships, school or work

Exercise addiction treatment options

Treatment for exercise addiction will depend on the severity of an individual's symptoms and any other mental or physical diagnosis present. Psychotherapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), may be helpful in treating the compulsive behaviors associated with exercise addiction. 

Birches Health offers virtual counseling with therapists who have experience treating behavioral addictions such as compulsive exercising. Birches care is also in-network with major insurance companies to help make treatment affordable and accessible. 

To connect with Birches Health, there are multiple options:

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com

Exercise addiction history and statistics

Due to a lack of official diagnostic criteria, it is difficult to know the exact number of individuals who are affected by exercise addiction. A study from the University of Southern California estimates that 3% of people who exercise regularly are addicted to exercise. Another study suggested that up to 9% of regular exercisers may be addicted. 

Athletes, specifically college and professional levels are at a higher risk of developing exercise addiction with compulsive exercise behaviors seen in up to 42% of the athletic population. Current research shows that the race most affected by exercise addiction are Caucasian and primarily of younger adolescents aged 15-19. The most common mental disorders that accompany exercise addiction are eating disorders, depressive disorders, personality disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder.