Although it is unclear whether athletes suffer eating disorders at higher rates than the general population, there are certain aspects of sports that may influence vulnerable individuals. Sports that emphasize low body fat as a means to improved performance may, in particular, tip a predisposed individual into pathologic eating habits. Eating disorders in athletes can result in increased risk of injury for the athlete, or in extreme cases, long term disability or death. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders is critical for coaches and parents, to protect young athletes.
Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Athletes
According to data published by Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. (ANRED) in 2005, almost one third of a group of randomly selected young male and female athletes exhibited thoughts and behaviors consistent with eating disorders. Symptoms such as excessive preoccupation with food (35%), expressing concerns of being overweight (15%), laxative abuse (4%), binging and purging (5%), and fasting (12%) were found within the group.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
The two major types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, defined as extreme calorie restriction, and bulimia, which is characterized by food binges followed by self induced vomiting (purging). The signs of these disorders are:
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Rapid weight loss.
- Hyperactivity, depression, moodiness.
- Loss of menstrual cycle in females for 3 periods.
- Feeling cold much of the time.
- Excessive training.
- Restricted food intake.
- Obsessive-compulsive behavior.
- Bulimia
- Binging – consuming large amounts of food, usually within two hours.
- Self induced vomiting following binging.
- Secret eating.
- Swollen salivary glands.
- Dental problems from stomach acid effect on teeth.
- Feeling ashamed and depressed about eating habits.
Female athletes are more susceptible to eating disorders than males by a ratio of about 9:1. Therefore, female dominated sports are more likely to involve athletes with eating disorders. The sports most often involved include:
- Ballet/Dance
- Figure skating
- Running
- Gymnastics
- Swimming
- Rowing
- Horse racing/Horse riding
- Wrestling
Male dominated sports that involve increased strength and body mass are less likely to lead to an eating disorder. However, these sports may involve other dangerous behavior, such as abuse of performance enhancing drugs.
How to Handle an Athlete with a Suspected Eating Disorder
If a coach or parent suspects a child/athlete is suffering from an eating disorder, a gentle, understanding approach is required. Directly accusing the athlete of having anorexia or bulimia will only engender an angry denial. Adults must broach the subject carefully, offering support and empathy. Listening without judgment is important as well. Also, be prepared with a list of resources the athlete can use to get help in the short term, and the long term. It is important to remember that the issues surrounding eating disorders go beyond food, involving an inability to cope with life stress in general. A understanding approach will be most effective in getting the athlete the help that she or he needs.
For more information, please see the ANRED website.
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