The Hidden Risks of Eating Disorders in Student-Athletes
Sports are an important part of many adolescents’ lives, offering valuable life skills, opportunities for personal growth, and physical health benefits. However, as beneficial as sports can be for young people, there are hidden risks that parents should be aware of, particularly when it comes to athletes and eating disorders.
Student-athletes are under unique pressures, and these pressures can sometimes lead to disordered eating behaviors that affect their physical and mental well-being. While not all athletes will develop eating disorders, certain risk factors can make them more susceptible. By recognizing these factors early on, parents can intervene when necessary and help their children get the support they need from eating disorder treatment.
Key Factors That Increase the Risk of Eating Disorders in Student-Athletes
While sports offer numerous advantages, they can also contribute to eating disorder development in ways that are often overlooked. The following factors can increase a teen’s risk of struggling with an eating disorder. Understanding these risks can help parents recognize warning signs before they escalate into something more serious.
1. Emphasis on Physical Appearance
Many student-athletes are hyper-aware of their appearance, particularly during competitions. Being in the spotlight can cause body image concerns, especially if the athlete feels they are being judged based on how they look. These concerns can lead to unhealthy dieting behaviors or excessive exercise in an attempt to control their bodies. When these efforts don’t achieve the desired results, athletes may resort to more extreme measures, such as disordered eating, to regain a sense of control over their appearance.
2. Pressure to Maintain a Lean Build
Certain sports, such as gymnastics, running, and figure skating, place a strong emphasis on maintaining a lean physique. For athletes in these sports, achieving peak performance often feels tied to staying slim. Unfortunately, adolescence is a time of rapid bodily changes, including weight fluctuations and growth spurts. Teens may feel pressure to shed pounds to fit into the “ideal” body type for their sport, which can trigger dangerous behaviors like excessive calorie restriction or extreme exercise routines.
3. Focus on Individual Performance
In individual sports like track and field or swimming, the athlete’s performance is highly visible and directly linked to their personal achievements. When these athletes don’t perform as well as they expect, they may become fixated on their weight, body shape, or size as potential obstacles to success. This can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as disordered eating in an effort to improve performance. Unfortunately, the cycle of poor body image and poor performance can continue without proper intervention.
4. Social Pressure from Peers
In team sports, peer pressure can also play a significant role in the development of eating disorders. Teammates might make comments about an athlete’s appearance, or there could be unspoken expectations about body types that lead athletes to feel inadequate. The pressure to meet the team’s standards or avoid letting teammates down can result in unhealthy eating habits or excessive exercise. These pressures can become overwhelming, particularly if a student-athlete is struggling with self-esteem issues.
5. Overcommitment to One Sport
Focusing on a single sport for years can also increase the risk of eating disorders. The pressure to excel in one specific area can create an unhealthy obsession with improving performance. Teens may begin to define their self-worth solely by their abilities in that sport, leading them to adopt unhealthy behaviors like restricting food intake or overexercising to improve their skills. This kind of mental and physical strain can lead to the development of eating disorders.
6. Low Self-Esteem
Athletes are often praised for their achievements, but when their performance declines, so can their self-esteem. A bad season or a poor competition performance can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Teens who struggle with self-esteem may turn to disordered eating as a way to gain control over their bodies or to “fix” what they perceive as flaws. Low self-worth is a common trigger for many eating disorders, and student-athletes are especially vulnerable because of the constant focus on physical appearance and performance.
Common Eating Disorders in Student-Athletes
The unique pressures faced by student-athletes can lead to a variety of eating disorders. Some of the most common eating disorders affecting athletes include:
Bulimia Nervosa:
This condition involves binge eating followed by purging, either through vomiting or excessive use of laxatives. Many athletes with bulimia nervosa binge on food during times of stress and then engage in compensatory behaviors to “erase” the calories.
Anorexia Nervosa:
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme food restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight. Athletes may severely limit their calorie intake or excessively exercise in an effort to maintain a thin physique, believing it will enhance their performance.
Binge Eating Disorder:
Unlike bulimia nervosa, those with binge eating disorder do not engage in purging behaviors. Instead, they consume large quantities of food in a short period, often to cope with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions. This can lead to weight gain and feelings of guilt or shame.
Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder
Parents should watch for signs that may indicate their child is struggling with an eating disorder. Some common warning signs include:
- Extreme focus on weight, food, and dieting
- Frequent complaints about feeling “fat” or “too heavy”
- Major weight fluctuations
- Avoidance of family meals or eating in public
- Disruptive mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Excessive exercise routines or refusing to take rest days
- Physical signs like hair thinning, dry skin, dizziness, or fainting
How to Help Your Child
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to take action quickly. Early intervention is key to helping teens overcome eating disorders. Reach out to a healthcare professional or eating disorder specialist who can assess your child’s situation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. In many cases, professional therapy, counseling, and nutritional support are necessary to help student-athletes recover.
Additionally, family support is critical to the healing process. Many treatment programs for eating disorders include family therapy, allowing parents and loved ones to learn how to best support their teen’s recovery journey.
While student-athletes can benefit greatly from their participation in sports, it’s important for parents to recognize the risks that come with the pressures of performance, body image, and social expectations. By understanding these risks and being aware of the warning signs, parents can intervene early and help their children get the support they need to recover from eating disorders and maintain their overall health and well-being.
Monte Nido is here should you or someone you love need help. With in-person programs in 14 states and virtual options in 28 states, our compassionate team is ready to provide the support they need. To connect with a member of our admissions team, click here.