Eating Disorders—are athletes at greater risk?
Some facts :
Studies suggest that female athletes involved in weight demanding sports (such as rowing, equestrian riding, wrestling); endurance sports (triatholon, long distance running); or aesthetic sports (gymnastics, figure skating) are at greater risk of using unhealthy weight-control methods and developing eating disorders than are non-athletes (Van de Loo 1995).
The pressure to optimize performance by decreasing body fat, high self-expectations, perfectionism, and persistence place female athletes at risk for developing the female athlete triad that includes osteoporosis (low bone mass and deterioration of bone), amenorrhea (irregular or loss of menstrual period), and disordered eating (Otis 1997) which compromise nutrition status (Beals 1998).
Male athletes too, especially those who participate in weight dependent sports (eg. wrestling) can engage in unhealthy weight-control methods.
Coaches Play a Role in Helping to Prevent Eating issues in Athletes
An athlete’s body needs to be properly fueled for peak performance –food is fuel; coaches play an important role in working with the athlete and their family to promote healthy eating and discourage unhealthy weight-control methods;
Coaches, judges, parents and sport clubs can be vigilent about designing their learning and performing environments to promote positive body image and self-esteem within their athletes. This will build their self confidence and nurture their mental as well as their physical health; positive messaging can empower an athlete. Visit Body Sense to learn more about athletics and body image.
Body Sense is an exciting Ontario funded initiative aimed at building healthy sports environments which foster positive body image in order to proactively prevent disordered eating. Visit www.bodysense.ca
The Female Athlete Triad
The female athlete triad is a disorder that has three parts. It affects (1) eating habits, (2) menstrual periods and (3) the strength of bones. If you have the female athlete triad, you've stopped eating normally. Your menstrual periods have stopped or have become irregular. You may also have osteoporosis. This is a disease that makes your bones thin and weak. Without treatment, the loss of bone strength may last forever. Complete article.
Other Useful Information
References :
1. Van de Loo DA, Johnson MO. The young female athlete. Clin Sports Med. 1995;14:687-707.
2. Otis CL, Drinkwater B, Johnson M, Loucks A, Wilmore J. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. The Female Athlete Triad. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997;29(5): i-ix.
3. Beals K, Manore M. Nutrition status of female athletes with subclinical eating disorders. J Amer Diet Assoc. 1998;98:419-425
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