important to fill up with healthy
food and plenty of water to fuel
your body for optimal
performance. Knowing the right
way to sustain a healthy eating
pattern while living a happy life
can come with complications,
especially in athletes. Eating well
is important, however, becoming
too concerned or preoccupied
with looking and feeling a
certain way can push athletes
towards negative results.
Fortunately, there are ways in
which disordered eating can be
recognized, treated, and in the
best case, prevented.
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/eating-disorder/athletes-and-body-
image-issues
Being a hard-working and
competitive athlete in college can
be tough. Balancing training
sessions, practice schedules, and
performing best on game days
all while keeping up with a
heavy course load is a lot to
manage. As a growing and
developing young adult, it’s
Signs of Disordered Eating:
•   A lower than average
body weight or BMI2
•   Unusually rapid weight
loss2
•   Strict eating patterns2
•   Preoccupation with weight
or body shape6
•   Social withdrawal or not
participating in social
events2
•   Overuse of certain
supplements1
o   Protein powders,
weight-loss pills,
caffeine, etc.
•   Frequent injury2
•   Avoiding certain
macronutrients(fat/carbs)2
Symptoms and Medical How to Alleviate Recognizing and seeking help
Implications: Disordered Eating: can be difficult but with the
right resources, motivation, and
•   Amenorrhea5 •   Education athlete, coach, support, freedom can soon be
o   “the loss or and professionals working yours.
irregularity of alongside about proper
menstrual cycle” nutrition and dietary
•   Female Athlete Triad1,3,5,6 needs1
o   “a condition that •   Asking for support from
consists of disordered family members, teachers,
eating, menstrual
peers, and siblings2
dysfunction, and
signs of osteoporosis” •   Have conversations
•   Dispel body fat myths and https://www.noene.com/en/blog/running-beginners-your-first-10k-race-in-less-
than-60-minutes/

unrealistic body images References:

•   Find ways to cope with 1. Adams VJ, Goldufsky TM, Schlaff RA. Perceptions of
body weight and nutritional practices among male
stress. and female National Collegiate Athletic Association
•   Start young with Division II athletes. Journal of American College Health.
2016;64(1):19-24. doi:10.1080/07448481.2015.1062770.
preventative techniques- 2. Eating Disorders: Recognition and Treatment. National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
promoting body positivity 2017;69:41.
and healthy eating habits5 https://www.guideline.gov/summaries/summary/
51028/eating-disorders-recognition-and-treatment.
•   Detect problems early and Accessed November 29, 2017.
3. Heffner JL, Ogles BM, Gold E. Nutrition and Eating in
https://swadesaskatoon.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/periods-a-hassle-or-a-sign-of-
health/
decide proper treatment or Female College Athletes: A Survey of Coaches. Eating
•   Anemia4 wellness activities5 Disorders. 11(3):209-220.
4. Resources for Athletic Directors, Coaches, & Trainers.
o   “a condition in For Athletes & Coaches | UCSD Eating Disorders
Center.
which blood doesn’t http://eatingdisorders.ucsd.edu/resources/athletics-
have enough red resources.html. Accessed November 29, 2017.
5. Rust DM. The Female Athlete Triad: Disordered Eating,
blood cells” Amenorrhea, and Osteoporosis. The Clearing House.
2002;74(6):301-305. doi:10.1007/978-1-59745-534-3_5.
o   often associated 6. Smolak L, Murnen SK, Ruble AE. Female Athletes and
with low iron levels Eating Problems: A Meta-Analysis. International
http://www.uhsecho.com/2012/02/eating-disorders-in-teens/ Journal of Eating Disorders. May 2000:371-378.