Exercise Addiction: a Thematic Analysis of Self-Reported Cases for Clinical Insight and Prevention

Abstract Exercise addiction (EA) is a potentially harmful behavioral disorder that remains clinically undefined, with research often relying on symptom-based models that overlook subjective experiences. This study reviewed 63 self-reported EA cases using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis to identify recurring experiential patterns that may go beyond the component model of addictions (CMA). Nine themes emerged: loss of control, diverse exercise engagement, identity fusion, emotional coping, social disconnection, health denial, gender disparity, compulsive quantification, and severe physical consequences. The findings provide ecologically valid insights into the psychological and social dynamics of EA. Some themes partially overlapped with the CMA, but also with obsessive passion and self-determination, highlighting the limitations of current research frameworks and the need for more inductive, person-centered approaches. The results have practical implications for prevention, early detection, and intervention strategies and contribute to the ongoing effort to establish clinical diagnosis criteria for EA.