Exercise addiction in individuals who exercise regularly

Background and Study Aim. Addiction has significant effects on individuals who exercise regularly, influenced by factors such as age and gender. This study aimed to measure the exercise addiction levels among university students who regularly engage in fitness activities. Material and Methods. The Exercise Addiction Scale was used to determine the participants' levels of exercise addiction. This scale was administered to 198 voluntary participants (students), including 101 women and 97 men. A demographic information form was used to collect data regarding participants' gender, age, years of training, and levels of national athleticism. To compare differences between two independent groups, independent t-tests and One-Way ANOVA multiple comparison tests were applied to identify differences between variables. Results. Results revealed significant differences in the tolerance development and passion subscales based on gender, with results favoring women. No statistically significant difference was found in the subdimension of excessive focus and mood changes based on years of athletic experience. In contrast, individuals with 1-3 years of experience had significantly higher scores in the postponement of individual-social needs compared to those with 4-6 years of experience. In the subdimension of tolerance development and passion, individuals with 1-3 years of experience scored significantly higher than those with 4-6 years and those with 11 or more years of experience. However, no significant differences in exercise addiction scores were observed based on age or national athlete status. Conclusions. Results suggest that the risk of exercise addiction may be mitigated by fostering a balanced approach to sports participation. Emphasizing both health and social engagement, rather than solely performance, may help individuals maintain a healthier relationship with exercise.