Disordered eating and compulsive exercise (sometimes called over-exercise) often go hand in hand. Exercise is often adopted as a tool in attempts to lose weight or alter how one’s body looks.

While exercise can be great to improve overall physical and mental health, too much of a good thing can become hurtful.

Compulsive Exercise is characterized by:

• Excessive amounts of exercise that leads to physical injury or impacts other aspects of one’s life (occupation, relationships, finances, sleep, mood, etc).
• Rigid exercise regimen is maintained even when tired, sick, or injured.
• Intense feelings of guilt or shame when unable to exercise.
• Exercise is used to manage emotions or gives permission to eat.
• Exercise may be done in secret.
• Potential physical symptoms of compulsive exercise: bone loss, loss of menstrual cycle in females, persistent muscle soreness and fatigue, increased incidence of injury, and increased frequency of illness.

How your Rooted Path Registered Dietitian can help:

• Provide individualized and compassionate care to meet you where you are at in readiness for treatment and recovery.
• Collaborate with your treatment team or support you in building a treatment team.
• Provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your relationship with food and your body.
• Gently guide you through identifying the root of the disordered eating behavior(s).
• Provide nutrition education and assist with nutrition replenishment as needed.
• Help you navigate the complexities of diet culture and break free from rigid thinking.
• Help reduce food anxiety via supported food exposures.
• Reconnect you with your body by providing guided meditations and mindful eating exercises.
• Empower you to find a balanced and sustainable approach to food and nutrition that supports your overall well-being.
• Provide guidance or recommendation to a higher level of care if warranted.