Publications

When does a "healthy" habit turn into a problem?

CrossCurrents

According to Christine Courbasson, an eating disorders specialist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, there is a fine line between being obsessed with body shape and having an eating or exercise disorder. Symptoms that an interest in fitness has become anorexia athletica include:

  • exercising over and above the requirements for good health
  • exercising despite physical illness or injury
  • linking exercise achievements with calories burned
  • exercising as a direct response to calories consumed
  • defining self-worth solely in terms of performance
  • repetitive, obsessional thoughts about weight and diet
  • compromising work, school, and relationships to find extra time for workouts
  • forgetting that physical activity can be fun
  • feeling compelled to push on to the next challenge
  • justifying excessive behaviour by insisting that the exercise is necessary or healthy
CrossCurrents Spring 2004