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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.
One thing though, that had stuck with you for a long time was
your feeling when you were younger that there was something as
a perfect parent. Finally that’s what all young parents want
aim to be, the perfect parent.
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:
* Excessive physical exercise beyond normal limits.
* Obsessed with being thin.
* False body image, (feels they are fat when they are
dangerously thing).
* May have an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
* Exercise when injured or exhausted, even if they are ordered
not to.
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. 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.
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