Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorders not otherwise specified [EDNOS]) have been associated with athletes at all levels of sport. Often the eating disorder may remain undiagnosed or concealed due to the intense physical and mental stress that athletes endure in their training and competition cycles. Sports performance commonly drops in athletes who suffer eating disorders due to poor nutrition and poor mental function. If untreated or undiagnosed, eating disorders can be life threatening.

Health care professionals, coaches and personal trainers should not ignore athletes with problems of self-worth, body image, body weight, and disordered eating behaviours.

Be in the-know: click here to access our fact sheet on eating disorders.