Eating Disorders are complex conditions that are likely to have a combination of several different causal factors. However, it is widely recognised to be more prevalent in certain groups of the population. This article aims to explore the relationship between sport and the development of eating disorders with key areas to be examined listed below.
- Which sports involve increased risk of eating disorders?
- How may athletes with eating disorders be identified?
- Treatment for athletes with eating disorders?
- Prevention strategies for reducing risk of eating disorders in sport
Which Sports Involve Increased Risk of Eating Disorders?
The main factor associated with increased risks in sport are those where weight is directly related to performance. Examples of such sports include the following: ballet, gymnastics, horse-racing, running and wrestling. There are also many sports where individuals are required to be weighed prior to competitions or races such as sailing, judo and boxing. Alarmingly, in ballet the prevalence rate of anorexia nervosa is believed to be four to 25 times higher than that of the general population and up to 62% of female gymnasts and figure skaters may be affected by eating disorders.
How may Athletes with Eating Disorders be Identified?
Researchers have recognised certain key risk factors associated with the risk of development of eating disorders within athletes. The main factors to be aware of may include the following: perfectionism, continuing to train when injured or unwell, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, low self-esteem, high self-drive or self-control, excessive training regimes and increased pressure about weight and performance. Predisposing factors such as genetics and personality traits which increase vulnerability combine with precipitating factors and maintaining factors to increase risk of developing eating disorders.
Treatment for Athletes with Eating Disorders
Ideally, athletes should be treated by therapists who have specific experience of working not only with athletes but also those who in addition suffer from eating disorders. This is crucial because research has suggested that one of the main indicators of successful treatment is that of developing a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Also such therapists will be aware of the specific issues facing an athlete such as the demands of training, maintaining high fitness and competitions.
Prevention Strategies for Reducing Risk of Eating Disorders in Sport
Coaches have a huge part to play in terms of eating disorder awareness and prevention, Primarily education about training and healthy nutrition is the key component and it is the role of the coach to encourage athletes rather than criticise an individual about weight or body size, especially as young athletes would still be developing. In order to reduce unhealthy obsessiveness or competitiveness about weight, the practice of undertaking public weigh-ins should ideally be eliminated. It is also important for both athletes and parents to be made aware of both the warning signs and health risks associated with eating disorders.
Sources:
Shepphird, S. (2010) 100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett
Treasure et al. (2003) Handbook of Eating Disorders Chichester: John Wiley & Sons
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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