Athletes and Eating Disorders

(Exercise is good, but too much isn't!)

1. Sports associated with eating disorder

Eating Disorders and disordered eating are significant problems for many athletes
Female athletes are especially at risk in sports which emphasize a thin body or appearance. Such as, gymnastics, ballets, figure skating, swimming, and distance running.
Male athletes are especially at risk in body building and wrestling
A greater risk is associated with sports in which anaerobic activities predominate over aerobic activities

2. Gender and eating disorders among athletes

90-95% of eating disorders occur among women
There is evidence, however, that male athletes are at least equally at risk as female athlete for certain types of eating pathology
A study of NCAA athletes found that binge-eating occurred more often in male athletes than female athletes
More than three times as many male athletes as female athletes used saunas or steam baths to lose weight
The same percentage of males and females used steroids to improve athletic performance
Female athletes were four times more likely than males to use vomiting to lose weight

3. Causes of eating disorders among athletes

A. The idealization of thinness in our society

Judges in gymnastics and figure skating have progressively rewarded thinner athletes

B. The unsubstantial belief that lower body fat enhances performance

C. Preselection

individuals who are preoccupied with weight and appearance may be more likely to participate in athletics

D. Exercise

Animal studies have shown that a dramatic increase in activity can precipitate a decrease in appetite and severe weight loss

E. Body Dissastifaction

Athletes at risk for eating disorders are often those who are articulately anxious and critical of their own athletic performance and who express these concerns by dissatisfaction with their bodies

4. Effects of Eating Disorders in Athletes

Eating disorders may result in symptoms which interfere with athletic performance
Fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, broken bones, leg cramps, and irregular heart rate are among the symptoms which may impair athletic capacity
These symptoms are the result of various physiological complications of eating disorders, including low thyroid hormones, poor heart and circulatory function, osteoporosis, and electrolyte imbalance

5. The Female Athlete Triad

The triad of Amenorrhea, disordered eating, an osteoporosis (brittle bones) is particularly likely to occur in females
Amenorrhea or irregular menses in female athlete should be taken seriously because even brief episodes are associated with osteoporosis and infertility problems.
Multiple factors cause the Amenorrhea seen in female athletes, including exercise, low-weight, low fat content, stress, hormonal changes, and nutrition composition.
Estrogen supplementation, without weight gain, does not seem to reverse the vulnerability to osteoporosis

6. Detection and Treatment

Athletes are often aware of the symptoms of eating disorders, but don't want to acknowledge the symptoms for fear that they will be required to stop their sport.
Except in extreme cases, the athlete can continue the sport while in treatment.
The American College of Sports Medicine, has encouraged all individuals working with physically active girls and women to be educated about the triad of Amenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteoporosis, and to develop plans to prevent, recognize, treat, and reduce its risks.
Coaches and team physicians are often in a position to identify an eating disorder early, and assist the athlete in seeking appropriate treatment.