Driven athletes possess similar personality traits to individuals who suffer from anorexia nervosa, which may predispose them to the potential development of an eating disorder. For this reason, and with fall sports in full swing, experts encourage parents, coaches and athletes themselves to understand and minimize athletic activities and pressures that could potentially lead to disordered eating.
Experts agree that certain sports tend to place athletes at a greater than average risk for developing an eating disorder. High risk sports include:
In fact, a study1 authored by Craig Johnson, PhD, FAED, CEDS, chief clinical officer of the Eating Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado, found that at least one-third of female college athletes have some symptoms of an eating disorder.
"The same perfectionistic, high-achieving temperament that fuels athletic achievement closely mirrors the traits of individuals who tend to develop eating disorders," said Dr. Johnson. "For this reason, it is important for athletes and their parents and coaches to be aware of and responsive to eating disorders risk factors in the athletic environment."
To help parents of athletes reduce eating disorders risks, the Eating Recovery Center offers the following advice:
Coaches can also assist in eating disorders prevention by recognizing their leadership role and exercising that influence to support the health of their athletes. Eating Recovery Center offers coaches the following advice:
Athletes should adhere to the following recommendations to ensure safe and healthy athletic participation:
Eating disorders in athletes of any age can lead to
Early intervention and expert treatment from eating disorder professionals can minimize the chances for negative long-term health effects.
For more information about eating disorders in athletes, visit www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com [1] to chat confidentially live with an eating disorder professional, or you can contact them at 877-218-1344 or by email at info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com [2].
1. Johnson C, Powers PS, Dick R. Athletes and eating disorders: the National Collegiate Athletic Association study. Int J Eat Disord. 1999;26(2):179-88.
Additional source: Eating Recovery Center
Posted October 3, 2012
Links:
[1] http://www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com
[2] mailto:info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com
[3] https://mail.momsteam.com/nutrition/eating-disorders-in-athletics-external-pressures-and-societal-expectations-play-large-role
[4] https://mail.momsteam.com/nutrition/disordered-eating/anorexia-bulimia/eating-disorders-signs-symptoms
[5] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/disordered-eating-body-image-issues-among-athletes-rising