Athletes: Disordered Eating and Body Image Issues on the Rise

Written by: Dr. Lyndsay Elliott

According to the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, an estimated 13 to 42% of athletes are affected by an eating disorder, depending on the sport and the gender of the participant. These numbers appear to be on the rise due to increased awareness and treatment sought for such an elite group.

Athletes face an even greater physical risk to themselves compared to non-athletes due to the stress that they place on their bodies on a daily basis. Those most vulnerable are involved in appearance sports (i.e. gymnastics, swim, figure skating and dance), but eating disorders are also common in endurance sports (i.e. running or cycling) and sports that have weight classifications (i.e. wrestling). Many cases of eating disorders are not reported or handled in secret, due to the pressures on athletes to perform and encouragement of coaches for achievement.

Eating disorders in athletes can take a variety of different forms, including:

• Restriction of calories or purging behaviors to drop weight or improve performance.
• Hunger due to level of physical activity, which may result in binge eating episodes.
• Excessive exercise or vomiting to compensate for any extra calories consumed.
• Disordered or idiosyncratic eating patterns due to the physical demands athletics place on their bodies.

Less is known about eating disorders among male athletes, since most of the studies have been conducted on female athletes. One issue males contend with is body dysmorphia, which leads to a preoccupation with becoming muscular, and a desire to promote size and strength. They may limit the types of foods eaten to decrease body fat or stimulate weight loss, or increase protein intake or complex carbs to gain muscle mass. Many males affected with the disorder go unnoticed or untreated, as they avoid discussing their concerns, and instead attribute it to a desire for success at their sport.

Warning signs

Coaches, teammates and parents should be aware of the traditional physical warning signs of eating disorders, which if left untreated can have serious health risks, including cardiac failure. These consist of:

• Menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea
• Fine hair on the body
• Low blood pressure or dizziness
• Swollen or puffy cheeks
• Decreased stamina in performance
• Frequent complaints of feeling cold
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Bradycardia or heart arrythmias
• Hair loss

Parents whose children participate in athletics should make an effort to closely monitor their child for any warning signs of disordered eating. Consistent communication with the coach can help to ensure that the child is being appropriately monitored, and creating an open dialogue about any concerns will also allow the child to be accountable for their actions as they build their talents and strengths. If you notice that your child is becoming extremely competitive, exhibiting an severe preoccupation with their ability level or feeling pressure to perform, intervention may be necessary. Further, consult with your child’s physician to ensure that they are medically stable to perform.

For those parents with children entering college, the NCAA has made a specific effort to target eating disorders in college athletes, conducting research and screenings. The NCAA has posted a 53-page brochure online dedicated to the female athlete triad (which comprises disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis), unfortunately, there is nothing to specifically address males at this time. More info on NCAA resources can be found at: ncaa.org/health-safety.

While sports participation itself is not necessarily the cause of the disorder, it may, coupled with any genetic or temperament predisposition to eating disorders, create a convergence of risk factors that is problematic for athletes. While the research of these factors are still under investigation, it is agreed in the field that the “perfect storm” of influences contribute and leads to the perpetuation of disordered eating issues among athletes.

Dr. Lyndsay Elliott is one of Southern California’s most prominent Psychologists in her field of expertise. Dr. Lyndsay (as her patients call her) maintains her clinical practice in Newport Beach, California. As a food and body image expert for the last 15 years, Dr. Lyndsay is known for her break-through work with children, teens and young adults. She particularly enjoys consulting with parents to help develop a healthy self-image for their children. Dr. Lyndsay empowers individuals with her ease, strength, and experience, ultimately propelling her patients into a new arena of growth, control and balanced living. Check out Dr. Lyndsay’s daily tips and blog at www.DrLyndsayElliott.com, on twitter @DrLyndsay and Facebook at Dr. Lyndsay Elliott, Inc.

Sources:

Sundgot-Borgen, J., Torstveit, M.K.. Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Elite Athletes Is Higher Than in the General Population. Cl. J. Sports Med. January 2004 14(1) 25-32 (accessed November 11, 2011 at http://journals.lww.com/cjsportsmed/Abstract/2004/01000/Prevalence_of_Eating_Disorders_in_Elite_Athletes.5.aspx)

Beals, K.. Disordered Eating Among Athletes: A Comprehensive Guide for Health Professionals (Beals 2004).

Thompson, S. and Sherman, R.T.. Athletes, Athletic Performance, and Eating Disorders: Healthier Alternatives. J. of Social Iss., Summer 1999, 55(2), 317-337. (accessed November 11, 2011 at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/0022-4537.00118/pdf)

Thompson, S. and Sherman, R.T.. Managing the Female Athlete Triad. (accessed November 11, 2011 at http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/2db7d8004e0db26bac18fc1ad6fc8b25/female_athlete_triad.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=2db7d8004e0db26bac18fc1ad6fc8b25)

Pearson, C.. Male Athletes Struggle with Eating Disorders. (September 2011). (accessed November 11, 2011 at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/16/eating-disorders-men_n_928206.html)