Exercising To Excess Bad For Health, Australia

More value judgments and conflicting information.

"A psychological study of gym-goers has found 23 per cent of respondents exercised at excessive levels.

Seventy-five per cent of 'excessive exercisers' were motivated to hit the gym to relieve stress and anxiety, according to the Victoria University study...

The study excluded people with clinical eating disorders and professional or elite athletes."

Of interest, the study excluded people who "exercise" for money, but included those who "exercise" for other reasons.

Just like researchers, if you do it for money it is okay.

Otherwise you are sick.

I wonder how these folks quantify excessive research. Especially lousy research.

"To be defined as an 'excessive exerciser' participants had to score above average on an exercise dependence questionnaire and exercise more than six hours per week. "

Six hours per week, eh?

Are they aware that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, the latest and greatest, recommends much more?

"To sustain weight loss in adulthood: Participate in at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily moderate-intensity physical activity while not exceeding caloric intake requirements."

That equals 7 to 10.5 hours per week. (BTW, I think the DGA Guidelines are nonsense. So is this Australian study.)

Clearly this Fletcher lady is pushing for her own nanny state.

"'While exercise is vital to our health and well-being, when people become addicted to and reliant on exercise, it can be damaging to both their physical and psychological health,' said study co-author, Jane Fletcher.

Ms Fletcher, a psychologist, said people who exercise excessively do so even when they are injured, tired or sick.

'Sometimes they will even push themselves harder, because it is a challenge to get through it,' Ms Fletcher said.

'They regularly turn down invitations with friends and family to go to the gym. Exercise makes them feel really good and if they don't do it, they can feel anxious and withdrawn. This can negatively affect their social life and career.'"

As if she should sit in judgment of those who "exercise" for the challenge of it. Or whatever their reasons for doing what they think positively affects their lives.

This lady is nuts.

"Results from the study will be presented at the 42nd Australian Psychological Society national conference, 'Psychology Making an Impact,' at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25 to 29 September."

Too bad the impact psychology is making is negative.