By Ornella Corazza and Artemisa Rocha Dores

Unmasking the Dark Side of Fitness: Understanding Exercise Addiction and Body Image Disorders

In today’s society, the pursuit of fitness and the desire for the perfect body have reached new heights. With the rise of social media, we are bombarded daily with images of seemingly flawless individuals promoting the idea that physical appearance is the ultimate measure of success. But behind the filters and carefully curated posts lies a dark reality that many are reluctant to discuss – exercise addiction and body image disorders.

In their groundbreaking book, “Unmasking the Dark Side of Fitness: Understanding Exercise Addiction and Body Image Disorders,” authors Ornella Corazza and Artemisa Rocha Dores delve into the hidden dangers of our obsession with physical perfection. Through personal accounts, clinical cases, and scientific research, they shed light on the alarming consequences of placing appearance above health and well-being.

At the heart of this book is the recognition that fitness should be about enhancing health and physical performance, rather than solely focusing on aesthetics. Corazza and Dores explore how the pressure to attain society’s ideal body can lead to exercise addiction, eating disorders, mood disorders, and the misuse of performance and image enhancing drugs. By examining the underlying factors and psychological mechanisms at play, they provide a comprehensive understanding of these detrimental conditions.

The authors emphasize the urgent need for awareness among health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers, and primary care physicians. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of exercise addiction and body image disorders, they can intervene early and provide appropriate treatment to prevent further harm.

Product Details

• Publisher: RCPsych Publications; 1st edition (April 6, 2023)
• Language: English
• Format: eBook Digital
• Pages: 192
• ISBN-10: 1911623729
• ISBN-13: 978-1911623724

Book Review

“Unmasking the Dark Side of Fitness” offers an eye-opening exploration of the often-overlooked consequences of society’s obsession with physical perfection. Corazza and Dores provide a balanced and insightful analysis of the role of exercise addiction and body image disorders in our modern world.

What sets this book apart is its blend of personal accounts, clinical cases, and scientific research. The authors skillfully intertwine these elements to create a comprehensive and engaging narrative that appeals to both professionals and general readers. By highlighting real-life experiences and grounding their arguments in scientific evidence, Corazza and Dores effectively convey the severity and complexity of the issues at hand.

The authors also demonstrate a deep understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying exercise addiction and body image disorders. They explore the societal factors that contribute to these conditions, including the influence of social media, cultural pressures, and unrealistic beauty standards. Through their analysis, Corazza and Dores prompt readers to question the societal norms that perpetuate these harmful behaviors.

While the subject matter may seem daunting, the book offers a message of hope and awareness. Corazza and Dores stress the importance of educating health professionals about these disorders and providing early intervention and appropriate treatment. By doing so, they empower individuals to seek help and break free from the cycle of destructive behaviors.

Order Your Copy Today

Are you ready to unmask the dark side of fitness and gain a deeper understanding of exercise addiction and body image disorders? Order your copy of “Unmasking the Dark Side of Fitness” today and embark on a journey of knowledge and self-discovery.

Whether you are a professional in the mental health field or someone who has personally experienced the negative impact of society’s obsession with physical perfection, this book will challenge your preconceptions and encourage you to prioritize health and well-being over appearance.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to gain valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding exercise addiction and body image disorders. Order your copy now and take the first step towards a healthier, more compassionate society.