Overtraining and Eating Disorders
A look at anorexia, bulimia, and overtraining.
Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight which causes a loss of appetite and a refusal to eat.
Bulimia
Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight. Those who suffer from this disorder binge eat before purging what they've eaten.
Overtraining (Compulsive exercising)
An unstoppable compulsion to work out due to a fear of gaining weight.
5 facts about eating disorders and overtraining
1. The rate of people acquiring eating disorders has only increased since the 1950s.
2. Compulsive exercise takes over a person's life because the sufferer feels the need to exercise instead of do other things.
3. Compulsive exercise and eating disorders, especially anorexia, frequently go hand in hand.
4. Compulsive exercising can lead to other compulsive activities and thoughts.
5. Only 10% of people with eating disorders get treatment.
Want a little more information? Laura Hill is an expert on the subject.
Eating Disorders from the Inside Out: Laura Hill at TEDxColumbus.