Eating Disorders in Athletes

In the world of competitive sports, athletes are often seen as embodiments of strength, discipline, and physical prowess. Yet beneath the surface, many athletes silently battle a different kind of opponent: eating disorders. These disorders can have devastating consequences on an athlete's physical and mental health, performance, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the issue of eating disorders in athletes, the unique challenges they face, and the importance of early intervention and support.

The Hidden Struggle

Eating disorders can affect individuals from all walks of life, and athletes are no exception. In fact, athletes may be particularly vulnerable due to the intense pressure to excel in their chosen sport, maintain a specific body weight or composition, and meet the expectations of coaches and teammates, and sometimes more importantly—themselves.

In a large study investigating prevalence of eating disorder in elite athletes found a high overall prevalence of eating disorders (13.5%). The prevalence rate was highest in female athletes (20.1%) but the male athletes’ prevalence rate of 7.7% is a steep increase compared to a non-athlete’s prevalence rates (Joubert et al., 2020).

Types of Eating Disorders in Athletes

Anorexia Nervosa: Athletes with anorexia often severely restrict their food intake to lose weight, maintain a low body weight, or an unhealthy body fat percentage. They may have a distorted body image and engage in excessive exercise.

Bulimia Nervosa: Some athletes may engage in episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviours, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to offset the calorie intake.

Orthorexia: Athletes may become obsessed with eating only "clean" or "healthy" foods, to the point where it becomes an unhealthy fixation.

Reference: Sundgot-Borgen, et al. 2004

Unique Challenges Athletes Face

Athletes experience distinct challenges that can contribute to the development or exacerbation of eating disorders:

Performance Pressure: Athletes often face immense pressure to perform at their peak, which can lead to extreme dieting and exercise habits.

Weight and Body Image Concerns: Certain sports emphasize weight and body composition, making athletes vulnerable to body dissatisfaction and the desire to attain a specific physique.

Nutritional Demands: The rigorous training and energy expenditure in sports necessitate proper nutrition, and any disruption can have detrimental effects.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Recognizing the signs of an eating disorder in athletes is crucial for early intervention and improved outcomes (Matthews, 2018).

Common signs include:            

• Rapid weight loss or fluctuations.

•    Excessive exercise, even when injured or fatigued.

•    Preoccupation with food, calories, or body image.

•    Frequent injuries or illnesses.

•    Social withdrawal or isolation.

Getting Help

If you suspect that you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking help is essential (Currie et al., 2010).

Open Communication: Encourage open and non-judgmental communication about the issue. Athletes may be hesitant to admit their struggles due to fear of repercussions. 

Professional Guidance: Consult with a counsellor or mental health professional who specializes in eating disorders, sports nutrition, or mental health.

Treatment Plans: Treatment often involves a combination of therapy, nutritional counselling, and medical monitoring. Athletes may need adjustments to their training and competition schedules during recovery.

Education and Prevention: Coaches, athletic organizations, and governing bodies can play a role in educating athletes about the risks of eating disorders and promoting healthy attitudes toward body image and nutrition.

 All in all, eating disorders in athletes are a significant concern that affects both physical and mental well-being. The pressure to excel in sports can exacerbate these disorders, making early recognition and intervention vital. With the right support and treatment, athletes can regain their health, find a balanced approach to nutrition and training, and continue to pursue their passion for sports in a healthy and sustainable way.

References

Currie, A. (2010). Sport and eating disorders - understanding and managing the risks. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 1(2), 63–68. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3289170/

 Matthews, P. (2018, March 1). Why are sports people so susceptible to eating disorders? Loughborough University. https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2018/march/sports-eating-disorders/

 Joubert, L. M., Gonzalez, G. B., & Larson, A. J. (2020). Prevalence of disordered eating among international sport lead rock climbers. Frontiers in sports and active living, 2, 86.

 Sundgot-Borgen, J., & Torstveit, M. K. (2004). Prevalence of eating disorders in elite athletes is higher than in the general population. Clinical journal of sport medicine, 14(1), 25-32.