Disordered Eating in Athletes: Breaking Free from the Struggle
Disordered eating plagues the athletic community, often flying under the radar. I get it. As an athlete, you’re under immense pressure to perform, to be the best, to push your body to its limits. But what happens when that pressure becomes too much? When the desire to excel turns into an unhealthy obsession with food and weight?
The desire to achieve an ideal body type or excel in their sport is just the tip of the iceberg – beneath the surface lies a complex interplay of psychological and physiological factors that can jeopardize an athlete’s well-being.
I get it, disordered eating can make you feel trapped and alone. But here’s the truth: countless others have walked this path before you, and they’ve found their way to freedom. You can too. The first step is recognizing the signs and understanding the risks. Armed with knowledge and support, you have the power to break the cycle and rediscover a joyful, balanced relationship with food and your body.
Table Of Contents:
- Understanding Disordered Eating in Athletes
- Types of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Athletes
- Risk Factors for Disordered Eating in Athletes
- Health Consequences of Disordered Eating in Athletes
- Prevention and Treatment of Disordered Eating in Athletes
- The Role of Coaches, Parents, and Healthcare Professionals
- Conclusion
Understanding Disordered Eating in Athletes
Disordered eating is a serious issue that plagues many athletes, from novice to elite athletes and both male and female athletes. It’s a slippery slope that can quickly progress into a full-blown eating disorder if left unchecked.
Definition of disordered eating
So what exactly is disordered eating? It encompasses a wide range of abnormal eating behaviors, like restrictive eating, binge eating, purging and eating behaviors that are overly focused on a healthy diet. These behaviors can wreak havoc on an athlete’s physical and mental health. Studies show that the prevalence of disordered eating among athletes can range from 6% to a staggering 45%. Female athletes and those in weight-sensitive sports like gymnastics and distance running are at a higher risk. In fact, a recent study done on 1000 female athletes found that 47.3% reported disordered eating tendencies. Both sport type and body dissatisfaction have been found to increase the risk of a female athlete developing an eating disorder.
Factors contributing to disordered eating in athletes
Several factors can contribute to the development of disordered eating in athletes. The pressure to maintain a certain body type, participation in weight-sensitive sports, personality traits, and societal influences all play a role. Athletes may feel immense pressure from coaches, teammates, and the media to achieve an “ideal” body shape for their sport. I’ve seen firsthand how this pressure can push athletes to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors putting them at risk for disordered eating or an eating disorder. Certain eating behaviors can also put athletes, especially female athletes and high school athletes at risk for health consequences related to low energy availability (also known as relative energy deficiency in sport) or the female athlete triad, which is a more outdated term. It’s a dangerous cycle that can have serious health consequences if not addressed.
Types of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Athletes
Disordered eating behaviors can manifest in various ways among athletes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types.
Restrictive eating
Restrictive eating involves severely limiting calorie intake or avoiding certain food groups. It is most often seen in instances of anorexia nervosa or orthorexia; however, it can occur in athletes even without a diagnosed eating disorder. Athletes may engage in restrictive eating to lose weight quickly or maintain a low body weight for their sport. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and impaired athletic performance. I’ve worked with athletes who have taken restrictive eating to dangerous extremes, putting their health and careers at risk.
Binge eating
Binge eating is characterized by consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control. Athletes may binge eat as a coping mechanism for stress or after a period of restrictive eating. Binge eating can lead to weight gain and feelings of shame or guilt. It’s a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break without proper support and intervention.
Purging behaviors
Purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, and excessive exercise, are used to compensate for calorie intake or to prevent weight gain. Athletes may engage in purging behaviors to quickly lose weight or maintain a low body weight. These behaviors can cause serious health problems, including electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. I’ve seen the devastating effects of purging behaviors firsthand, and it’s heartbreaking to witness.
Compulsive exercise
Compulsive exercise involves an obsessive need to exercise, often beyond what is necessary for athletic training. Athletes may feel guilty or anxious when unable to exercise and may prioritize exercise over other important aspects of life, such as relationships or academics. Compulsive exercise can lead to overuse injuries and burnout. It’s a dangerous mindset that can be difficult to overcome without professional help.
Risk Factors for Disordered Eating in Athletes
Several risk factors can increase an athlete’s likelihood of developing disordered eating behaviors. Let’s explore some of the most significant ones.
Pressure to maintain a certain body type
Athletes in sports that emphasize leanness or a specific body type, such as gymnastics, figure skating, and distance running, may feel immense pressure to maintain a low body weight. This pressure can come from coaches, judges, teammates, and societal expectations. Athletes who internalize this pressure may be more likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors. I’ve witnessed the toll this pressure can take on an athlete’s mental and physical well-being. Female distance runners, those competing in lean sports and aesthetic sports, and high school athletes may feel this pressure even more so.
It should be noted though that even athletes in non-lean sports and athletes competing in team sports can still struggle with disordered eating or an eating disorder. The public health concern of disordered eating does not discriminate. Any athlete no matter their sport type, weight, body size, gender, or level can struggle. One study done on high school and college athletes suggested higher rates of disordered eating behaviors and unhealthy exercise habits when athletes are unsatisfied with their body. Elite athletes, female runners, lean sports, and those in aesthetic sports are at an increased risk of feeling the pressure to look a certain way based on a specific body ideal.
Living up to a specific body ideal can be even more challenging when the athlete body ideal contradicts society’s body ideal. We talk about the contradiction more in depth in our blog article Loving Your Body as An Athlete.
Participation in weight-sensitive sports
Weight-sensitive sports, such as wrestling and rowing, often require athletes to compete in specific weight classes. Athletes may engage in rapid weight loss techniques, such as restrictive eating and dehydration, to qualify for a lower weight class. These practices can increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors. It’s a dangerous game that can have long-lasting consequences for an athlete’s health and performance.
Personality traits and psychological factors
Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism and high achievement orientation, are common among athletes and may increase the risk of disordered eating. Athletes who are highly self-critical or have a strong desire for control may be more likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors. Psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and stress, can also contribute to the development of disordered eating. I’ve seen how these traits and factors can fuel disordered eating behaviors and make recovery a challenging process. Athletes who put a lot of pressure on themselves or are looking to improve their sport performance can fall victim to disordered eating behaviors when they aren’t equipped with the right knowledge around sports nutrition, body composition, and the
Societal and cultural influences
Societal and cultural pressures to achieve a certain body type can influence athletes’ eating behaviors and body image. Media portrayals of successful athletes often emphasize leanness and muscularity, which can create unrealistic expectations. Cultural norms and stereotypes surrounding body image and gender roles may also contribute to the development of disordered eating in athletes. It’s crucial that we challenge these harmful influences and promote a more inclusive and diverse representation of athletes in the media.
Key Takeaway:
Disordered eating in athletes is a complex issue fueled by pressure to meet certain body standards, participation in weight-sensitive sports, and personal traits. It can lead to serious health risks if not tackled. Let’s break the cycle with awareness and support.
Health Consequences of Disordered Eating in Athletes
Disordered eating can lead to a range of physical health complications, including nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal problems. Female athletes may experience menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea, which can impact bone health and increase the risk of stress fractures. In severe cases, disordered eating can lead to organ damage and even death.
Mental health issues
Athletes with disordered eating are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The stress and pressure of maintaining a certain body type or weight can take a toll on an athlete’s mental well-being. Disordered eating can also lead to social isolation and strained relationships with teammates and coaches.
Impaired athletic performance
Disordered eating can negatively impact athletic performance by causing fatigue, decreased muscle strength, and impaired concentration. Athletes who are undernourished or dehydrated may be more prone to injuries and may take longer to recover from training sessions. An energy deficit can be the result of disordered eating behaviors, a lack of knowledge, or unintentional underfueling. However no matter what the cause, an energy deficit can result in poor performance. In the long run, disordered eating can lead to burnout and a shortened athletic career.
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) can negatively affect an athlete’s health and performance. — U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (@TeamUSA) April 29, 202
As the tweet from Team USA highlights, relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) can have serious consequences for an athlete’s health and performance. It’s crucial for athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent and address disordered eating.
If you’re confused about the different between REDs and disordered eating, we dive deep into this topic in our blog post Is it REDs or Disordered Eating? You can also learn more about RED-S and how to prevent it here.
Long-term health risks
The long-term health consequences of disordered eating can be severe and may persist even after an athlete has retired from their sport. These risks include osteoporosis, infertility, and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Athletes who have struggled with disordered eating may also be at a higher risk for relapse later in life.
Prevention and Treatment of Disordered Eating in Athletes
Early identification and intervention are crucial for preventing the progression of disordered eating in athletes. Coaches, athletic trainers, and healthcare professionals should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of disordered eating and know how to approach athletes who may be struggling. Screening tools and regular check-ins can help identify athletes who may be at risk.
Education and awareness programs
Education and awareness programs can help prevent disordered eating by promoting healthy eating habits and body image among athletes. These programs should target athletes, coaches, and parents and should address the unique pressures and challenges faced by athletes. Teaching athletes about proper nutrition, the dangers of rapid weight loss, and the importance of self-care can help foster a positive team culture. Parents, coaches, and trainers should also be made aware of the physical health effects, increased risk of poor performance, and psychological impact of low energy availability, which can result from disordered eating, eating disorders, unintentional underfueling, and lack of proper sports nutrition knowledge.
Multidisciplinary treatment approach
The treatment of disordered eating in athletes requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals, mental health specialists, and sports medicine experts. Treatment may include medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, and psychotherapy. In some cases, athletes may need to take a break from training and competition to focus on recovery. A systematic review published in the Journal of Eating Disorders found that a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, involving medical, nutritional, and psychological support, is most effective for addressing disordered eating in athletes.
Supporting athletes in recovery
Supporting athletes in recovery from disordered eating requires a collaborative effort from coaches, teammates, and healthcare professionals. Athletes may need accommodations or modifications to their training and competition schedule to prioritize their health and well-being. Encouraging open communication, creating a non-judgmental environment, and celebrating progress can help athletes feel supported in their recovery journey.
The Role of Coaches, Parents, and Healthcare Professionals
Coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in recognizing the signs and symptoms of disordered eating in athletes. These may include rapid weight loss, preoccupation with food and weight, excessive exercise, and changes in mood or behavior. By identifying these warning signs early, interventions can be put in place to prevent the progression of disordered eating.
Creating a supportive environment
Creating a supportive environment that prioritizes athlete health and well-being is essential for preventing disordered eating. Coaches should emphasize the importance of proper nutrition, rest, and recovery and should avoid making comments about athletes’ bodies or weight. Parents can model healthy eating habits and body image and provide emotional support for their children. Healthcare professionals can educate athletes and their support systems about the risks of disordered eating and provide resources for treatment.
Encouraging healthy eating habits and body image
Encouraging healthy eating habits and body image among athletes is a key role for coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals. This may involve providing education about proper nutrition, emphasizing the importance of fueling for performance rather than appearance, and challenging societal pressures and stereotypes surrounding body image. Promoting a positive team culture that values diversity and inclusivity can also help foster healthy attitudes towards food and body image.
Looking for a great podcast that talks about sports nutrition and positive body image for athletes and active people? Check out our podcast Mind Your Fitness on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Collaborating for effective prevention and treatment
Effective prevention and treatment of disordered eating in athletes require collaboration among coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals. Regular communication and a shared commitment to athlete well-being can help create a cohesive support system. Coaches and parents should work with healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans and monitor athletes’ progress. By working together, these key stakeholders can create a safe and supportive environment that promotes healthy eating habits and body image among athletes. Studies have shown that disordered eating can have negative impacts on an athlete’s physical health, mental well-being, and athletic performance. With a higher prevalence of disordered eating among certain athlete populations, it’s crucial for coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals to be proactive in prevention and treatment efforts.
Key Takeaway:
Disordered eating in athletes can wreck both their health and career. It’s key for coaches, teammates, and doctors to catch signs early, support healthy habits, and work together on recovery.
Conclusion
Disordered eating in athletes is a complex issue that requires awareness, understanding, and support. By recognizing the signs and risks, athletes can take steps to break free from the cycle of unhealthy eating behaviors and rediscover a positive relationship with food and their bodies.
Seeking assistance is a powerful display of fortitude, never a shortcoming. Recovery becomes achievable when you surround yourself with the appropriate tools and supportive individuals. This battle isn’t one you have to face solo. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, check out our recent blog post How Common Are Eating Disorders in Athletes.
As an athlete, your body is your most precious possession. When you treat it with kindness and feed it the good stuff, magic happens. Suddenly, you’re unstoppable on the field and glowing off it. So go ahead, take that leap of faith. A world of possibilities awaits you when you prioritize your well-being.
If you’re an athlete seeking personalized nutritional guidance, including those related to eating disorders, I encourage you to learn more about my services here.
Together, we will work towards promoting a healthy relationship with food and ensuring your overall well-being.
