The women ADDICTED to exercise: They do hours of gruelling workouts - not to keep trim but because they're hooked on the natural high

Growing numbers of women like Lisa Vickery, a 35-year-old TV presenter from London (left and second left) and Tina Howe (right and second right) are becoming hooked on the powerful feelings and endorphins which flood their bodies after a gym session, which can kick in after just half an hour. 


The result is a sense of euphoria similar to the effect of opiate drugs. However, just as a drug addict's tolerance increases over time, more endorphins are needed to produce the same hit. Experts warn that this can lead to exercise addiction, a term coined in 1976 by Dr William Glasser, who studied long-distance runners.