Overtraining and Eating Disorders
Overtraining
You can also watch the video below to learn more about overtraining.
Overtraining can lead to anorexia, an eating disorder that leads to distorted body image and the need to lose weight and not eat. Similarly, it can lead to bulimia, an eating disorder that describes a cycle of binging then purging.
Warning Signs of Overtraining:
- Severe anxiety over missing a workout
- Can't relax because you think you aren't burning calories
- Worry frequently about weight gain
- Force self to exercise even if you feel bad or are in pain
- Don't exercise for fun
Anorexia
Overtraining, stress, depression and numerous other factors can lead to anorexia. Symptoms of anorexia include:
- Dieting even when thin
- Obsession with calories, fat, grams, and nutrition
- Pretending or lying about eating
- Strange or secretive food rituals
- Dramatic weight loss
- Fixation on body image
Read more about anorexia here: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anorexia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm
Bulimia
Bulimia follows a cycle of binging then purging (see image below). People who suffer from bulimia purge their food to avoid gaining weight, however, this does not actually prevent weight gain. Vomiting after eating food only gets rid of 50%, if not less, of the calories consumed. Laxatives only get rid of 10%. Realizing this can help people to understand how harmful purging food is for their body.
Signs of bulimia include:
- Lack of control over eating
- Secrecy surrounding eating
- Alternating between overeating and fasting
- Excessive exercise
- Frequent fluctuations in weight, but not underweight
Read more about bulimia at http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bulimia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm
The image below comes from this link.
Get Help!
http://www.hydeparkcenter.com/eating-disorder-treatment-2?930
They will help you find a healthy balance between exercise and nutrition!