Athletes and Eating Disorders
A common myth is that athletes are healthy therefore do not have eat disorders. Another myth would be that eating disorders only affect young teenage females. Both statements are wrong however, as eating disorders plague society ,without gender or age discrimination, equally.
Eating disorders were first documented back in the middle ages. Some thought anorexia nervosa was due to spiritual wrath that was upon a person when they failed to do what God wanted. During the 16th and 17th century bulimia nervosa was most common due to overindulgence by the nobel an upper classes. Eating disorders became more frequent in the 20th century, and especially in the years following World War II.
The athletic world is not immune and several athletes battle daily with eating disorders. Appearance is one reason; athletes are used to competitive attire, wearing less restricting outfits can cause stress for a person not wanting to look overweight in their clothing or uniform. Teammates, peers, coaches, parents, judges and the audience judge an athlete not only by their skill but their physical appearance as well. Athletes needing to weigh in for competition tend to overlook healthy weight loss, instead they focus on the end result.
At the end of an athlete's career they can develop an eating disorders due to the loss of their career or sport. Subconsciously some individuals can not deal with the drastic lifestyle change and lack of physical activity. The loss of physical activity can put stress on an individual, therefore they change the one thing they can control which is their food. Healthy lifestyle choices must be taught to athletes so that can make healthy choices during and at the conclusion of their career.
About An Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Articles For Treatment Help. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2017, from
Goode, E. (2016, March 14). Centers to Treat Eating Disorders Are Growing, and Raising Concerns. Retrieved February 16, 2017, from
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/15/health/eating-disorders-anorexia-bulimia-treatment-centers.html?_r=0
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