The effects of overexercising
Exercise is recognised as being important for physical and psychological well being. It is recommended that everyone takes part in exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week.
Many people exercise much more frequently than that and their activity levels are not harmful. They may be working towards sport or aerobic goals and gain a high degree of satisfaction from their exercise.
How can you tell when someone is over-exercising?
“My daughter has always been more sporty and active than her friends. She goes to the gym every day for two hours – should I be worried?“
A person who is over-exercising in a harmful way may show some or all of the following signs:
- They exercise regardless of all consequences – missing social activities or important school, college or work commitments.
- They have an emotional attachment to exercise and become extremely anxious if they miss an exercise session.
- The goal of exercise is to lose weight and feel worthwhile, rather than for athletic goals, enjoyment or social interaction.
- Their schedule is rigid and if they miss one exercise session, they will do twice the amount next time.
- They will exercise even if they are injured.
- They will exercise alone.
What are the consequences of over-exercising?
People who regularly over-exercise are at risk of the following physical side-effects and complications:
- Degenerative arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Stress fractures
- Fatigue
- Breakdown of muscle mass
- Dehydration
- Cardiovascular complications
There are also a number of social side-effects of over-exercising as the problem becomes a dominant influence in the sufferer’s life:
- Deterioration of social relationships
- Failure or difficulties at school, college and work due to the demands of exercise regime
- Social isolation
- Anxiety and depression
- Poor self-esteem and self-image
Specialised treatments for eating disorders
Schoen Clinic is renowned for delivering highly specialised eating disorder treatments and therapies. We have clinics for people who are suffering from anorexia, bulimia or OSFED who want effective, proven treatment.
At Schoen Clinic Newbridge in Birmingham, you have the assurance that your treatment is provided by a service which has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the second consecutive time.
At our leading eating disorder clinic in London, Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our specialists work together as a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive, holistic treatments for children, young people and adults with eating disorders.
At Schoen Clinic York, our specialists have extensive experience in supporting adults to recover from a range of eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and OSFED.
Schoen Clinic specialists are here to help
Schoen Clinic Newbridge
Schoen Clinic Newbridge offers highly specialised inpatient treatment for children and young people (8-18 years) and a specialised outpatient service for young people (12-25 years) experiencing eating disorders and their associated problems. Welcoming NHS and private patients.
Schoen Clinic Chelsea
Schoen Clinic Chelsea is a leading London outpatient clinic in the heart of Chelsea.
Offering a specialised day treatment programme for children and young people (11-17 years) with eating disorders, as well as fast one-to-one Consultant appointments for young people (6-17 years) and adults (18+).
Welcoming privately insured and self-funding patients.
Schoen Clinic York
Schoen Clinic York offers highly specialised inpatient treatment for adults (18 years +) with diagnosed eating disorders and their associated problems.
Welcoming NHS and private patients.
