Athletes and Eating Disorders
by Harold A. Frost, PhD To state that athletes are at increased risk to develop eating disorders would be to state the obvious. The competitive atmosphere of athletics, coupled with societal pressures to be lean and fit are powerful contributing factors in the development of disordered eating. Quoting from the position statement of the National Eating Disorder Association, "Those sports which most emphasize weight control, thinness, and appearance, place athletes at significant risk to develop eating disorders. Gymnastics, cheerleading, dancing, figure skating, diving, swimming, crew, track, wrestling, and equestrian sports exert the most risk due to weight and appearance demands associated with them." In my practice at Center for Change I have treated cheerleaders, dancers, gymnasts, basketball players, soccer players, softball players, volleyball players, tennis players, as well as a woman golfer — all of whom suffered with an eating disorder. For them, their respective sport or athletic activity was a contributing factor in the development and or maintenance of their disordered eating.
The profound negative effect of the pressures of the "athletic environment" (coaches, trainers, judges etc.) can best be illustrated in the story of Christy Heinrich, who in the late 80's and early 90's was considered one of the world's top gymnasts. Allegedly, at a meet in Budapest, a judge told Christy that she was too fat and that if she desired to make the Olympic squad she would need to lose some weight. Soon after, Christy embraced anorexia nervosa in her effort to make the squad. Unfortunately she was even more successful at losing weight than she was at gymnastics. At one point in time her weight plummeted to 47 lbs. She died July 26, 1994, at the age of 22. Multiple organ failure was listed as the cause of her death.
At times coaches, teachers, and sports management personnel are oblivious to how sensitive the issue of body weight and size is for the women athletes they work with. What may be an innocuous comment by a coach can be emotionally devastating to the athlete.
• Coaches, trainers, peers, and physical educators should receive education on the nutritional needs of athletes due to the stress of their training and competition.
• Coaches, trainers, peers, and physical educators should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and to understand the potential effect sports may have on such problems.
• Coaches, trainers, peers, and physical educators should emphasize the physical risk of low weight.
• Coaches, trainers, peers, and physical educators should actively discourage dangerous weight control techniques including restrictive dieting.
• Coaches, trainers, peers, and physical educators should consider the health, physical and emotional safety, and self-image of athletes when making decisions about inclusion and exclusion on teams.
• Coaches, trainers, peers, and physical educators should encourage a positive self-image and self-esteem in athletes.
MORE INFO ON EATING DISORDERS
Eating Disorders are a very serious medical condition. It is estimated that between 9 and 11 million people suffer from some type of eating disorder and of those, 1 million will die. Yes, die.
Cheerleading certainly does not cause eating disorders. In fact, the increased confidence and self esteem that should come from being part of a team may actually help prevent it. However, studies have shown that girls and women athletes that compete in a sport which is judged (ie gymnastics, ice skating, etc.) do have an increased risk to suffer from eating disorders.
If you know someone who may be suffering from an eating disorder, it is imperative that you encourage them to get help. It is an addiction and most people need help to stop it once it is fully developed. It is hard to understand unless you suffer from it but people who have been addicted to drugs and alcohol say it was easier to beat those addictions than an eating disorder.
Here are two websites that you can learn more and a quick test people can use to determine if they may have a problem.
This eating disorder screen can assist you in determining if you may have a problem. If you have any concerns about yourself or someone you know, please call us at 1-800-445-1900.
1.Do you make yourself sick because you feel uncomfortably full?
2.Do you worry you have lost control over how much you eat?
3.Have you recently lost more than 15 pounds in a three-month period?
4.Do you believe yourself to be fat when others say you are too thin?
5.Would you say that food dominates your life?
Understanding the Results
Any person answering "yes" to two or more of these five questions is quite likely to have an eating disorder.
What Should I Do?
If you or someone you know is possibly suffering from an eating disorder, please call Remuda Ranch at 1-800-445-1900. Our friendly, professional staff will answer all of your questions and can help you determine what your next step should be. All calls are confidential.
Sign Up NOW & become a Member of
the Cheer1VIP Club!
