Warning Signs for Athletes Struggling with an Eating Disorder

Did you know that eating disorders are common among female athletes? Let’s take a look at the early warning signs that an athlete may be suffering from an eating disorder.

According to an article at eatingdisorderhope.com, “Athletes with an Eating Disorder”

“Characteristics of Eating Disorders in Athletes

There are several core features of the illness of eating disorders, which may be particularly exacerbated in the athletic arena for females.

Denial is one core feature of eating disorders and other addictive processes. The fire of denial can be fed by coaches who rely on the exceptional talent and extreme drive for success that many athletes possess to win games, titles, awards, etc.

When a female athlete is still winning or competing and ill, it may be easier to deny an active problem with food or eating.

Another character trait that has been shown by clinical research to be present in patients with eating disorders is perfectionism.

Competitive athletes rely on precision and “perfect” execution of planned movements, behaviors, training rituals in order to succeed and win.

Competitiveness itself is another trait commonly seen in individuals with eating disorders.

Finally, the psychosexual implications of being a female may also contribute to the increased prevalence and risk of disordered eating among female athletes. Most athlete role models are men (with the exception of aesthetic sports such as dance, cheerleading, synchronized swimming).

The female athlete may feel more pressure to masculine her body and become more muscular. She may also seek to avoid menstruation, with its inherent cyclical fluctuations affecting our bodies and moods, since stability, consistency, and control are important for athletic performance and success.

The triggering of such traits and their perceived importance in successful athletes are a set-up for female athletes with genetic, familial, psychosocial predispositions for eating disorders.

Early Signs of an Eating Disorder in an Athlete

• increased concern about body composition, body fat;
• increased concern about “healthy eating” and rigid behavior around food 

  (eating fat free, not eating certain food groups, eating alone or in isolation);
• social withdrawal, loss of intimacy or closeness with peers and family members;
• rapid weight loss or gain; going to the bathroom after meals;
• unmanageability in other areas of life (school, relationships, substances/intoxication);
• loss of menses or irregularity of menses.”

http://www.abcnutritionservices.com/group/warning-signs-for-athletes-struggling-with-an-eating-disorder/