Eating Disorders in Sports

Athletes are often considered to be healthier and stronger than the rest of us. It's often assumed that athletes are most up to date on the most current information on health and nutrition issues. So, why is it then, that so many athletes fall victim to the dangerous world of an eating disorder?

Figure skaters, gymnasts and dancers are the first to come to my mind, when considering athletes and eating disorders. The perfect physique is practically a prerequisite in these sports, and the demands put on their bodies can be incredible. These "perfect" peole are under constant pressure from coaches, teammates, parents and themselves to improve, suceed, and be better than all the rest.

Eating Disorders in Figure Skaters A piece which explores the very common problem of eating disorders in figure skating.

The Hidden Madness An article from Blades on Ice which discusses eating disorders in the figure skating world.

The Perfect Ballet Body This article follows the life and tragic death of ballerina Jill Cheever, and also considers the prevelence of eating disorders in the dance community.

Dancers and Eating Disorders DanceArt.com's pages on dancers and eating disorders.

Eating Disorders & Gymnastics An excellent paper by Ana Cintado of Vanderbilt University, which thoroughly discusses the serious problem of eating disorders in gymnastics.

Female athletes face specific risks, when an eating disorder developes. A condition commonly referred to as the Female Athlete Triad, is raising the concerns of health professionals arount the world. The "Triad" refers to a series of disorders which usually begins with disordered eating. An untreated eating disorder can lead to amenorreah (menustral cycle ceasing), which in turn can result in severe osteoporosis.

Eating Disorders in Athletics A discussion about the dangers of eating disorders in women's athletics.

Triad Part I Part I, of a round-table discussion on the female athlete triad. This section reviews what to look for and what to ask.

Triad Part II Part II, of a round-table discussion on the female athlete triad. This section reviews treatment and prevention.

In addition to the links to triad information, here are some other items to read, regarding female athletes and eating disorders. Body Image / Distorted Picture An article discussing eating disorders and distorted body image in women's sports today.

Striking the Balance An article about eating disorders in gymnastics, and also balancing sports and health.

Young Athletes and Eating Disorders An article from HealthNews, discussing the rise of eating disorders in younger athletes.