There’s so much notice given today to eating disorders, and what to watch for in a child. Parents watch closely to see what eating habits their children have, and make sure that they aren’t starting to get a problem. But, something that has become just as much of a concern with teens, but is most often completely overlooked, is obsessive exercising.

The condition makes the teen feel that they need to be exercising for many hours each day to stay healthy, and to have the body that they are wanting. There are a wide range of problems that can come with over exercising, including short term fatigue, exhaustion, puberty delays, even permanent physical injury. All of these are reasons for understanding what symptoms you need to look for, and how to prevent and help treat this disorder.

Many of the issues that can contribute to an eating disorder are the same for compulsive exercising. The teen basically feels unhappy with how their body looks, and starts doing exercise to make it look better. They may see an overweight friend or family member, and start doing exercises to avoid ending up looking the same way. It’s important for compulsive exercisers to have complete control in all aspects of their life. They begin to feel that if they do not exercise, they’ll not have any control and that’s just not an option for them to consider.

One of the best ways to help prevent your child from developing an obsessive exercise disorder is to teach them healthy exercise habits from the very beginning. Make sure that if you develop an exercise program with your child when they are younger, that you set boundaries and don’t let it become too much of an obsession. Teach them to set limits, and to exercise with what is healthy, and you’ll help them to carry these healthy habits with them as they grow. Be sure that you’re a good role model, by practicing healthy exercise habits yourself. Make sure you’re getting the exercise you need, but don’t go overboard and make it an issue that you’re constantly talking about.

Another way to help prevent this disorder from becoming a problem is to teach your child to have a healthy body image. Start from a very young age, teaching them that beauty is not shown only on the outside of a person, and skinny people aren’t the only ones who are beautiful. Show your child the positive points of their own image. Don’t point out if they are overweight – they already know that. It would be better to teach them how to eat better, and exercise to stay healthy.

It’s very important to be able to recognize the symptoms in your child, in order to treat the disorder as soon as possible. Watch for any of these common danger signs:

• Physical exercise that could be considered excessive and beyond normal boundaries.
• An obsession with weight, and being thin.
• A body image that isn’t true, (saying that they are fat when in truth they are dangerously thin).
• An eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, may also be a sign.
• Still trying to exercise when they are injured – even if they have been ordered not to.

If you suspect that your teen has an obsession with over exercising, and it has you concerned, make sure that you confront them in a calm manner. Let them see that you’re concerned, and explain to them what you feel is wrong with their behaviour. Tell them that you want to help. If you’re worried about bringing it up with your child, talk to another trusted person in the child’s life, such as a coach or teacher, or a therapist. No matter what, it’s important to get through to the teen and show them that what they are doing is unhealthy, without making them feel like they are being attacked.

This disorder is very hard to get over – it can be a long and difficult road to recovery. That’s why it’s so important to try and prevent this condition from every happening. But, if it does, don’t be afraid to take charge, and show your teen how much you care. Help them to get better, by being with them every step of the way.

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Eat better, move more, and believe in yourself!

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