The Truth About Exercise Addiction

Understanding the Dark Side of Thinspiration

By (author) Katherine Schreiber, Heather A. Hausenblas

Publication date:

28 November 2017

Length of book:

248 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9780810895942

Designed for individuals concerned about their workout habits, personal trainers, family and friends of folks with a problem, as well as working mental health professionals treating exercise addicts, The Truth About Exercise Addiction provides an easy-to-read, illuminating glimpse into the rising trend of over-exercise. Delving into the history of exercise addiction and the growing influence of “thinspiration,” Katherine Schreiber and Heather A. Hausenblas illustrate the symptoms and dangers of obsessive exercise with true stories from sufferers, all while exploring why and how such a seemingly healthy behavior morphs into a dangerous means of self-destruction. Analyzing the causes and consequences of excessive physical activity alongside the influence of genetics, culture, and personality, this book allows readers to gain a greater understanding of what exercise addiction looks and feels like. The Truth About Exercise Addiction also provides an unprecedented list of resources to address exercise addiction, a snapshot of treatments currently available for sufferers, and to top it off: guidelines on how to confront and care for someone who may have a problem.

1. What It Is — Defining Exercise Addiction
2. What It Looks Like — The Signs and Symptoms of Exercise
3. Who Coined It? — A Brief History of Exercise Addiction
4. How It Begins — The Origins of Exercise Addiction
5. What It Does — The Short and Long Term Health Risks of Exercise Addiction
6. Why It Happens — Thinspiration’s Darkside
7. What It Feels Like — Exercise Addicts’ True Stories
8. What To Do About It — Treatment
9. How To Approach Someone With A Problem
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix A
Appendix B
Acknowledgments
Bibliography

Schreiber and Hausenblas paint a vivid picture of where thinspiration goes wrong, providing an in-depth understanding of the dangers of exercise addiction for both men and women. This text offers a strong mix of evidence-based research and personal life histories that explain the toll too much exercise can have on a person’s body, mind, and social life. Although many know exercise is an effective, safe way to combat diseases, enhance mood, and improve health, this book identifies the addictive power of this ‘drug’ and demonstrates how binging on exercise can cause more harm than good. The authors detail the interaction between exercise addiction and comorbid disorders (eating disorders, body dysmorphia, etc.). Using personal stories, readers recognize that the combination of these diseases can instrumentally decrease quality of life for addicted individuals. Throughout the book, the authors use easily understandable language to discuss a complex issue, enabling comprehension for a variety of readers. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.