Running is commonly associated with the release of endorphins, known for inducing feelings of happiness and well-being. However, recent research indicates that endocannabinoids, particularly anandamide, may play a more significant role in post-exercise euphoria. Additionally, while exercise can lead to positive mental states, it can also result in behavioral addiction, termed bigorexia, especially among individuals with low self-esteem or high-performance athletes. This condition is characterized by a compulsive need for physical activity, which can have detrimental effects on overall well-being.
Understanding the Role of Endorphins in Running
There’s a common belief that running triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as the ‘happiness hormone’. This hormone is thought to create a profound sense of well-being. First identified in the 1970s, endorphins are neurotransmitters that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Their primary function is to alleviate pain, promoting a sense of comfort and euphoria, which has led many to liken them to a ‘natural drug’.
Exploring Endocannabinoids: The Real Culprit Behind Euphoria?
When discussing endorphins, it’s essential to recognize that they come in various forms, as highlighted in the podcast ‘In the Mind of a Runner’. Among these, beta-endorphins are the most prominent following physical activity, known for alleviating pain and enhancing mood. Additionally, enkephalins are released during exercise to address immediate pain or stress, while dynorphins help in adapting to challenging situations by altering pain perception.
While many believe that endorphins are the key to the post-workout euphoria, research suggests this may not be entirely accurate. Instead, it’s endocannabinoids that play a significant role in this sensation, as they are produced by the body and mimic the effects of cannabis. A study from researchers at the University of Hamburg and Heidelberg discovered that physical activity significantly boosts levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid. Furthermore, Inserm supports that engaging in physical exercise activates the endocannabinoid system, particularly in trained athletes. An earlier study from 2008 highlighted the crucial function of this system in enhancing exercise performance and its influence on motivation. Researchers concluded that endocannabinoids should be recognized as vital contributors to the uplifting effects of physical activity on mood.
Is Running Addictive? Understanding the Science
While it’s clear that sports do not alter brain chemistry in the same way as drugs or alcohol, it’s possible for individuals to develop an excessive reliance on exercise, known as bigorexia. The World Health Organization categorizes this as a form of ‘behavioral addiction’, similar to video game addiction. Often, this dependence is nurtured in individuals with low self-esteem, those who use exercise as an escape, or high-performance athletes striving for continual improvement.
The Center for Studies and Research in Psychopathology (CERPP) in Toulouse describes ‘sports addiction’ as a compulsive need to engage in physical activities to achieve immediate satisfaction, despite potential long-term negative impacts on physical, psychological, and social well-being. This condition, seen as a genuine disorder of the reward system, can be effectively addressed through psychotherapy.