Athletes and Eating Disorders

Written By: Samantha Tilley, UH Dietetic Intern

Athletes are put under immense pressure to maintain physical standards within their sports. There is evidence to show that eating disorders or disordered eating habits are common among this population. Whether it is intentional or unintentional athletes can carry this burden because of high expectations surrounding their athletic performance. They are expected to be in peak health and fitness in order to excel in their sport. However, this mentality can be taxing for some and create unhealthy standards for athletes to live by.

In this blog, we will be breaking down reasons as to why eating disorders may be prevalent in this community, how to recognize these behaviors, and alternative nutrition approaches that allow athletes to reach their goals while also taking care of their overall wellbeing.

Food Mentality Surrounding Sports

Diet Culture

New trends emerge everyday that claim to help people “optimize” their diet. This could mean excluding certain food groups from the diet or adding additional supplements that peopleguarantee is best for a healthy diet. However, dietitians know that there is no singular diet that isoptimal for everyone. Every person is different and needs individualized nutrition care.

Aesthetic Sports

Within weight-sensitive sports such as endurance running, dancing, wrestling, swimming, and multiple others, it can be challenging for athletes to decipher what is best for their needs. These athletes have the pressure of maintaining a certain image for their sport that emphasizes leaness, but are not always guided towards the healthiest nutrition approach. These diet trends can be harmful to athletes when they hear contradictory nutrition advice.

Recognizing Disordered Eating Patterns

With the amount of pressure to maintain physical appearance, athletes may become susceptible to disordered eating patterns that could, but not always, lead to developing an eating disorder. A lot of times an athlete may not notice they are developing these patterns. Instead they view it as a way to enhance their physical performance. It is important to be able to recognize these behaviors so they are not exacerbated further.

Disordered Eating Patterns

Frequent dieting, weight fluctuations, irregular eating times, avoiding certain foods, skipping meals, not eating to fullness, etc.

Eating Disorder

Clinically diagnosed condition that can affect a person’s mental and physical health in relation to food. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating all could fall under this category. Hyperfixation on food or what you are putting into your body can create a lot of food fears in people. This can cause people to have negative experiences when it comes to eating or nutrition. It is important to seek a dietitian and or a mental health specialist that can help support you through these experiences and guide you to create more positive interactions with food.

Properly Fueling for Success

Athletes go through rigorous training everyday, so they have heightened nutrition needs. They are expending a large amount of energy whenever they train and need to be properly fueling their bodies to avoid injury or fatigue. As an athlete it is ok to allow yourself a bit of grace when it comes to the food choices you make.

Intuitive Eating vs Restrictive Eating

Some strategies that might be helpful for athletes struggling with disordered eating habits is to practice intuitive eating and mindful eating instead of worrying about the quantity of food being consumed. Intuitive eating involves listening to your body’s internal hunger, fullness, and emotions when it comes to making food choices. Mindful eating involves being present and aware of the food you are consuming and how it makes you feel while you are experiencing it.

Remember to Put Yourself Before Your Sport

It can be easy to get caught up in calorie counting or restrictive eating when you’re constantly in an environment that tells you being lean and in shape is the best for your athletic performance. But you are the only person who can tell what is right for your body as long as you acknowledge and understand what it needs to feel satisfied. It is also ok to ask for help and seek support because making these transitions can be difficult at times especially if you struggle listening to what your body needs.