How many of you..

[caligurl]

speaking of fitness.... working out.... this was on the news this morning

link here

nbc4.tv
Exercise Bulimia Often Accompanies Eating Disorder

POSTED: 5:47 am PST February 1, 2007
UPDATED: 5:49 am PST February 1, 2007

Americans are constantly exposed to messages about the importance of getting enough exercise for our health, but there is actually such a thing as too much exercise. The condition is called "exercise bulimia," and it's likened to addiction and eathing disorders.

Lisa Rubin considered herself an exercise fanatic. She worked out to use up the calories she consumed.

"You eat two slices of bread, you work out two hours; one slice, one hour," Rubin explained.

It was an obsession, and she would spend four or five hours a day at the gym. She trained and ran marathons with broken bones and even while recovering from surgery.

"Apparently, that's not normal," Rubin acknolwedged. "Doctors would say to me, 'Outside, you look great, but inside, your bones are just falling apart.'"

For 30 years, Rubin said, she has battled the disorder called exercise builimia.

"It is the degree to which exercise thoughts and behaviors interfere with the quality of your life and ultimately take up space inside your head and ultimately infringe on your wellness and your health and potentially your life," according to Sondra Kronberg, of the National Eating Disorder Association.

Those who suffer from the affliction cannot judge how much exercise is too much. It often accompanies and eating disorder, and there is an underlying cause.

"The disorder develops as a coping mechanism for what's going on inside. It's a creative strategy for survival: 'What can I do to feel better about myself?'" Kronberg said.

Rubin became exhausted; for some, the result is worse.

There is a lot of denial as to if this is wellness or illness," Kronberg explained. "They will have to rock bottom before they can see that something is wrong, like an alcoholic."

Warning signs include a compulsion to exercise and the need to keep moving to burn calories. They may include antisocial behaviors, fatigue, anxiety and depression.

"This is a mental illness, and it's not just about eating too much or exercising too little or or exercising too much and eating too little," Kronberg said. "These illnesses are deadly and ... people will die from them."

Rubin now limits her workout to 30 minutes and knows she needs food for energy, but she said it's still an uphill battle.

More Information: NationalEatingDisorders.org

[caligurl]

You will be punished for that... hand over your Ruby... NOW!

*gasp* NO! meanie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bluetree]

*gasp* NO! meanie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We're not mean. We're just crazy.

[caligurl]

ya..... i agree: CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAZY!