Sports Nutrition How Eating Disorders Develop in Athletes By Elizabeth Quinn Elizabeth Quinn is an exercise physiologist, sports medicine writer, and fitness consultant for corporate wellness and rehabilitation clinics. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Quinn Reviewed by Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS on November 08, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in weight management and eating behaviors. Learn about our Review Board Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Updated on November 11, 2020 Print Robert Decelis Ltd / Getty Images Athletes tend to be highly competitive and disciplined individuals who go to great lengths to excel in their sports. This personality type combined with the expectations of teammates and coaches as well as spectators may make them at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder than the average person. Athletes who compete in sports that emphasize appearance or require speed, lightness, agility, and quickness are at higher risk for developing an eating disorder than are non-athletes or athletes in sports that require muscle mass and bulk. Which Athletes Are Most at Risk for Eating Disorders? Eating disorders are most common in athletes that participate in the following sports: Ballet and other danceFigure skatingGymnasticsRunningSwimmingRowingHorse racingWrestling Stay Safe When Trying to Achieve Body Weight Goals Which Eating Disorders are Most Common in Athletes? Both men and women are susceptible to eating disorders, although a greater percent of eating disorders are found in women. The two most common eating disorders found in athletes are: Anorexia NervosaBulimia Compulsive exercise is also problematic. It is not a recognized diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) but can be a symptom of an eating disorder. The real threat to an athlete with an eating disorder is the extreme stress placed upon the body. The very practice of self-starvation, purging or obsessive exercise has a detrimental effect on performance. The process of bingeing and purging results in loss of fluid and low potassium levels, which can cause extreme weakness, as well as dangerous and sometimes lethal heart rhythms. The Female Athlete Triad Women athletes with eating disorders often fit into a condition called the female athlete triad, a combination of: Low energy availabilityMenstrual irregularities, such as amenorrheaWeak bones (increased risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis) This attempt to reduce body fat by extreme measures not only leads to decreased exercise performance but can lead to severe health complications. Nutrient deficiencies and fluid/electrolyte imbalance from low food intake can lead to increased risk of fractures, illness, loss of reproductive function and serious medical conditions such as dehydration, and starvation. Medical complications of this triad involve almost every body function and include the cardiovascular, endocrine, reproductive, skeletal, gastrointestinal, renal, and central nervous systems. Many athletes mistakenly think they're not at risk for osteoporosis because they exercise and exercise is known to strengthen bones. However, research shows that exercise alone does not prevent bone loss. Irreversible bone loss starts within six months to two years of the loss of menses. Another negative consequence of eating disorders is the close association with depression. Identifying athletes with an eating disorder is not easy. They are often secretive or blame their eating and exercise regimen on their training goals. More patients are identified by perceptive coaches, teammates, friends or family members who notice an athlete losing weight, exercising beyond their normal training regimen or becoming overly preoccupied with food and weight. Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder Preoccupation with food, weight, and appearanceRepeatedly expressed concerns about gaining weightIncreasing criticism of one's bodyFrequent eating aloneUse of laxativesTrips to the bathroom during or following mealsContinuous drinking of diet soda or waterCompulsive, excessive exerciseComplaining of always being coldDenies being hungryCooks meals for others while not eatingEating too little, training too hardUnderweight or notable weight lossStress fractures or overuse injuries Getting Help for an Eating Disorder Eating disorders in an athlete are serious and can become life-threatening if left untreated. Identifying the type of eating disorder and getting help sooner rather than later is essential for the best outcome. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nazem TG, Ackerman KE. The female athlete triad. Sports Health. 2012;4(4):302-311. doi:10.1177/1941738112439685 Additional Reading Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. (ANRED), 2005. Eating Disorders - Patient Information. National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.