Eating Disorders in Female Athletes

How do you define yourself? “A WOMEN IS OFTEN MEASURED by the things she cannot control. She is measured by the way her body curves or doesn't curve, by where she is flat or straight or round. She is measured by 36-24-36 and inches &
ages and numbers, by all the outside things that
don't ever add up to who she is on the inside. And so
if a woman is to be measured, let her be measured
by the things she can control; by who she is & who
she is trying to become. Because as every woman
knows, measurements are only statistics & statistics lie.” - Nike, Inc.

WHAT MATTERS MOST IS HOW YOU SEE YOURSELF At the end of the day.. It doesn’t matter how others see you. Look at these two pictures- the skinny girl looks in the mirror and sees someone who clearly does not resemble her- she has a distorted view of herself and that’s extremely dangerous. She sees herself bigger than she really in. Now the other picture shows a small kitten looting in the mirror and seeing a fierce and strong lion. That’s the goal- to look in the mirror and not pick apart everything you don’t like. You want to look at yourself and feel confidence and satisfaction. Nobody is perfect, so why strive to be? SO…. WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

The Thin-Ideal Avg model weight: 23% less than avg American women 69% of playboy models and 60% Miss America contestants met weight criteria for anorexia 55% college women thought they were overweight… only 6% were Just a few eye opening statistics…

Types of Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder Less commonly known… Anorexia Athletica Disordered eating

Anorexia Nervosa: Diagnostic Criteria Pursuit of thinness leading to self-starvation Refusal to maintain minimally healthy body weight for age and height Intense fear or gaining weight, even though underweight Disordered body image Amenorrhea (absence of 3 consecutive menstrual cycles)

Bulimia Nervosa: Diagnostic Criteria Recurrent episodes of binge eating and purging Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain Purging, laxative use, over exercising Binge eating and compensatory behaviors occur on average twice a week for 3 months

Eating Disorders not otherwise specified: Binge Eating Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria Recurrent episodes of binge eating Eating until uncomfortable Eating large amounts of food when not hungry Binge 2 days/week for 6 months minimum Usually not associated with purging, fasting, excessive exercising, or laxative use

Anorexia Athletica Subclinical eating disorder frequently found in athletes Individuals <5% expected body weight Fear of becoming fat Restriction of food to <1200 kcal Compulsive exercise Amenorrhea Occasional binge/purge This is a very common eating disorder in athletes. \

Disordered Eating No specific diagnosis Weight management practices- diets Attitudes about food, weight, body shape Physiological imbalances Guilty feelings when you eat Label foods as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Desire for athletic success Bottom continuum: shows progression to eating disorder

Female Athlete Triad Disordered eating (AN, BN, ENDNOS) Amenorrhea Osteoporosis- loss of bone density Osteoporosis refers to premature bone loss or inadequate bone formation resulting in a low bone mass. At the time of high school years, your bone mass should be increasing/forming, not reducing– this can lead to more damage in the future. intestinal problems and cardiovascular problems can occur too

Bone loss prevention: osteoporosis 600 IU VIT D Dairy products, supplements 1300 mg Ca Fortified food products: juice, yogurt, cheese 15 mg IRON Normal menstrual cycle Calcium NEEDS estrogen to be absorbed Although you may think supplements are not necessary for teens your age, if you find yourself restricting calories, over exercising or following diets, supplements can be a life saver for you.

Risk factors for developing an eating disorder Family influence/pressures Media Personality/psychological factors High self expectations Perfectionism Poor impulse control Inadequate coping skills Use food to feel in control CLICK LINK AT BOTTOM Photoshop

Psychological Motives Psychological Factors include: Low self esteem Negative health habits Negative attitudes Stress Anger Tension Depression Ineffective coping styles Obsessing over food/body weights BUT WHEN IS IT TOO MUCH? Athletes tend to be: Competitive Achievement oriented Perfectionists Self disciplined Obsessive-compulsive Some psychological factors that go along with eating disorders are: So really.. When is it too much? It’s important to differentiate the difference between competing in your sport and event, and competing with yourself. It is ok to be competitive and strive for the best, but sometimes without realizing it, you are silently hurting both your body and your mental health.