Athletes and Eating Disorders
Athletes and body image
Body image issues may be experienced by athletes in very demanding sports; for instance, some sports may value certain body types more than others. Athletes are about 3 times as likely to develop an eating disorder; unfortunately, this is very common among athletes of all races, genders, and ethnicities. These body image issues may lead to disordered eating, restrictive habits, overexercise, and extreme weight loss/weight gain.
How can eating disorders affect athletes?
Although it may seem counterintuitive, athletes may be at high risk for eating disorders. For example, “...Any sport that emphasizes appearance or comes with a weight requirement…” or “sports that are more individual-rather than team-focused” may be more susceptible to eating disorders (Alsana Staff 2016). However, this is not to say that family and coaches cannot provide a nurturing environment to help the athlete combat or prevent eating disorder symptoms.
How can family and coaches help?
Creating a judgment-free environment for athletes and providing education on proper nutrition and healthy daily habits can improve an athlete's relationship with food and exercise: leading them to perform better and become mentally and physically healthy.
The following video opens up some common myths about eating disorders in athletes:
You are not alone
If you feel that you, or a loved one, are struggling with an eating disorder, please consult a professional or visit the sites below. Asking for help is not easy, but you are not alone, making that first will help you so much in the long run. Happiness and health are worth much more than societal standards.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-treatment-and-recovery.htm
Works Cited
How Do Eating Disorders Affect Athletes? | Alsana Blog. (2021, September 12). Alsana®. https://www.alsana.com/blog/how-do-eating-disorders-affect-athletes/
