Eating Disorders in Athletes

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.

Why are athletes high risk for eating disorders?

The pressures that place athletes at increased risk of developing an eating disorder include:

• Desire to optimise performance;
• Involvement in sport that emphasises physical appearance, size or leanness for optimal performance;
• Increased body awareness, which may exacerbate body image concerns;
• Personality characteristics often prized in athletes (drive, competitive, perfectionist and disciplined);
• High stakes associated with winning;
• Injury as a trigger for the onset of an eating disorder; and
• Influence of parents, coaches and fellow athletes.

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