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Understanding Excessive Exercise as part of an Eating Disorder

10. Understanding feedback loops in exercise

There are also negative feedback loops: Click on the button to see an example.

When falling into a negative feedback loop the person begins to feel they “need” to exercise to prevent a negative outcome or withdrawal from the benefits that they have been receiving.

A positive feedback loop can easily become a negative feedback loop.

In your professional role you may want to watch out for a possible change from “want” to “need”, it may be subtle at first.

Exercises more circle

Exercises more.

"I need to exercise more so my anxiety doesn't come back."

Feels reduced anxiety after exercising.

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