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Obsessive Exercising in Teens
Most parents are aware of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Many even watch their child’s eating habits closely to make sure they aren’t developing a problem; however, they often overlook a problem that is just as serious and fairly common in teens: obsessive exercise. This is a condition where your teen feels they need to exercise hours a day to stay healthy and fit. Over exercising can cause problems ranging from short term fatigue, exhaustion, delay of puberty, to permanent physical injury. This is why it’s important to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent and treat this disorder.
Compulsive exercise is caused by many of the same issues that can trigger an eating disorder. Generally, the teen feels unhappy with their body image and exercises to fix it. They may also have been exposed to an overweight friend or relative and exercise to avoid becoming fat themselves. Compulsive exercisers have to be in control or all parts of their life. They feel that not exercising would leave them without control which, for them, is not an option.
The best way to avoid your child developing an obsessive exercise disorder is to teach them healthy exercise habits as early as possible. If you develop an exercise plan with your child when they’re young, making sure to set limits and boundaries, your child will be more likely to maintain healthy habits as they mature. An important part of teaching your child proper exercise habits, is to practice them yourself. Make sure to get enough exercise, but don’t overdo it.
You can also help prevent this condition from developing by helping your child develop a healthy body image. You can start this from a very young age by emphasizing that not just skinny people are beautiful. You should also be sure to point out the positives of your child’s image. If your child is overweight, you don’t need to point it out to them; they already know. A better response would be to help your child maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan aimed at good health.
Along with preventing compulsive exercising, it’s also important to be able to recognize the symptoms and treat the disorder properly. The following are some of the most common danger signs to look for:
Curing this disorder is a long and difficult process; that is why it’s important to take steps to keep your teen from compulsively exercising and learn to recognize warning signs early.
If your teen is exhibiting any sort of obsessive/compulsive behavior, a good resource for you might be:
Talking Back to OCD: The Program That Helps Kids and Teens Say "No Way" -- and Parents Say "Way to Go"
If you think suspect your teen has a problem with over-exercising, it is best to confront them in a calm manner. Explain to them what your see is wrong with their behavior and explain you want to help. If you are not comfortable talking to your child about it, talk to their coach or consult a therapist. It is important that your teen learns that what they are doing is unhealthy without feeling like they’re being persecuted.