Family, friends and employment obligations are often put on a back-burner. Although some researchers are reluctant to call it an addiction, symptoms usually fit the classic signs of addiction. Patients are compelled to exercise to make themselves feel or look better. Stopping or inability to exercise produces withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, guilt, and depression. Patients can become so obsessed they develop severe injury, arthritis, or damage to the immune system.
Exercise addiction can hit just about anyone.
But the problem seems to be more common among younger adults. Exercise addicts are often unaware their behavior is a problem. Counseling or psychotherapy may be required to help the patient understand the reasons behind the dependence on exercise.