Text written and published in collaboration with La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services. As physical activity is often perceived in a very positive way in our society, it is difficult to imagine that it can become problematic. Some even value themselves by defining themselves as "addicted to sports". What is it really? When does physical activity become an addiction? What are the consequences?
Introduction
Addiction to physical activity is part of what is called behavioral addictions. This type of addiction refers to addictions whose object is not a psychotropic product (drug), but rather a behavior. This kind of addiction can be associated with different behaviors: shopping, working, playing video games or gambling.
Prevalence
There is no consensus on the prevalence of this addiction in the scientific literature and there is a lot of variation between the rates observed.
In the most recent research, it is estimated that approximately 0,5% of the general population is affected by exercise addiction, while the rate increases to 2-3% in those who are regularly active. A study of elite athletes from all sports showed an addiction rate of 34,8%, while the rate reached 50% among competitive runners. [1] .
With these data, it can be estimated that approximately 185 Canadians are affected by addiction to sport.
The consequences of addiction to physical activity
You might think that being addicted to physical activity is beneficial, as it should normally lead to a healthy life. On the other hand, the effects of this addiction can be very harmful.
Initially, we often find consequences directly related to the activity itself, such as wear and tear injuries. When the problem becomes more important, the consequences are more often of a relational nature, most often resulting in conflicts with relatives or at work. Finally, in the most severe cases, addiction to physical activity can lead to more serious psychological disorders such as depression.
A phenomenon also present in adolescence
The phenomenon of addiction to training is potentially even more present in adolescents and young adults. According to a study carried out in 2011, 8,5% of young people in secondary school are affected by a sport addiction. Moreover, we also note a higher percentage of addiction to other behaviors among adolescents. We should therefore be particularly vigilant when working with young people who seem very involved in their sport in order to detect the risks of dependence as early as possible.
Correlation with eating disorders
A few studies report that eating disorders are often accompanied by exaggerated levels of physical activity. The inverse relationship has also been established. Individuals affected by exercise addiction often have great concerns about their body image, weight, and diet control.[2][3]. This comorbidity makes the task of identifying the primary disorder very difficult. About half of people who are addicted to physical activity also suffer from eating disorders.
How do you become addicted to physical activity?
The path to exercise addiction can be represented in 4 phases:
1. Recreational exercise phase
Recreational exercise is mostly done because it is fun and rewarding. For example, a person who starts training and notices an increase in strength may feel valued. Another, who would start hiking regularly, found it nice to be in nature and to be able to 'hang out'.
The first phase exposes the person to the exhilarating effect of physical activity. This effect occurs in everyone who participates in physical activity, but not everyone who exercises becomes addicted. You can become very engaged in an activity, without developing addiction.
2. Risk exercise phase
The risky phase of exercise begins when the motivation to do physical activity is no longer pleasure, but relaxation and relaxation. In general, the negative consequences during this phase are directly the result of the exercise and not interpersonal. For example, the person is injured while running or catches a virus after very difficult training.
3. Problematic exercise phase
What differentiates the problematic exercise from the previous phases is the nature of the negative consequences. The issues related to exercise at this level are generally interpersonal. For example, if a runner's spouse complains that she would rather run rather than spend time with him, it may be assumed that the runner in question may be in the problematic exercise phase.
Once in the problematic phase, the behavior continues, despite the fact that the original goal has been reached, much like an alcoholic who continues to drink even though he has achieved the desired relaxing effect of alcohol.
A common aspect at this stage is that behavior that was performed in a group now occurs individually. For example, a person who Zumba with his colleagues twice a week might choose to go to the gym alone, in order to increase the frequency, intensity and duration of the workouts.
Another point that characterizes this phase is that instead of seeking the release of endorphins to feel better, the person can start training so as not to experience withdrawal symptoms.[4].
4. Final phase: addiction to physical activity
The frequency and intensity of physical activity continues to increase until it becomes the focal point of a person's life. At this point, the person may face more serious consequences, such as depression, job loss, etc.
Screening for sports addiction
A simple 6-question form has been developed to help screen for physical activity addiction in adults [5]:
| Strongly disagree | At variance | Neither agree nor disagree | Agree | Strongly agree | |||
| Exercise is the most important thing in my life | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Conflicts have arisen between me and my family and / or my partner about the amount of physical activity I do | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| I use physical activity to change my mood (improve my mood, get away from it all, etc.) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Over time, I have increased the amount of physical activity I do in a day | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| If I have to miss a workout I feel bad and irritable | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| If I decrease the amount of physical activity I do, I end up starting to train as much as I did before. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
To be considered at risk, you must achieve a score of at least 24 out of 30.
Conclusion
Addiction to physical activity is therefore more widespread than one might think and its consequences can be quite serious. It is therefore relevant to regularly question your practice, in order to ensure that it is healthy and that pleasure is the first source of motivation. As in everything, moderation tastes much better!
[1] The exercise paradox: An interactional model for a clearer conceptualization of exercise addiction
Alexei Y Egorov, Attila Szabó Published in Journal of behavioral addictions 2013
DOI: 10.1556 / jba.2.2013.4.2
[2] Blaydon, Michelle & Lindner, Koenraad. (2002). Eating Disorders and Exercise Dependence in Triathletes. Eating disorders. 10. 49-60. 10.1080 / 106402602753573559.
[3] Eating disorders: clinical features and pathophysiology. Physiol Behav. 2004 Apr; 81 (2): 359-74.
[4] Clarifying Exercise Addiction: Differential Diagnosis, Co-occurring Disorders, and Phases of Addiction Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011 Oct; 8 (10): 4069–4081.
[5] Validation of the French adaptation of the scale of dependence on physical exercise: the EDS-R Pratiques Psychologiques 13 (4): 425-441 · December 2007
Thank you for this text which shows us another side of physical activity! As always, moderation tastes much better ...
Exactly!
I didn't know I could become obsessed with sports! I got a score of 20 in the little test. I will try to limit my time to play sports little by little. Once again thank you.