Eating Disorders And Gymnastics

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Eating Disorders And Gymnastics

Eating disorders are especially common among athletes because the pressure of the sport environment frequently precipitates the onset of these problems. In this population, certain compulsive behaviors such as excessive exercise and restricted eating patterns are seen as acceptable, and pathogenic methods of weight control are often introduced. In addition, concern about body size and shape is increased because of the "social influence for thinness [from coaches and peers], anxiety about athletic performance, and negative self-appraisal of athletic achievement" (Williamson et al. 1995). Finally, the competitive nature of sports reinforces characteristics such as "perfectionism, high achievement motivation, obsessive behavior, control of physique, and attention to detail" (Ludwig 1996). Most successful athletes are more determined and more disciplined than the average individual. They often set very high goals for themselves and work extra hours each day to reach them. These same attributes, however, can lead to eating disorders and are often found in anorexic and bulimic patients.

Are certain types of sports more prone to develop eating disorders than others?

Eating disorders are obviously found in all sports, but athletes participating in activities that emphasize leanness for performance and appearance are at a significantly greater risk. Thus, gymnasts, long-distance runners, divers, and figure skaters are more prone to developing eating disorders and related problems than those who compete in nonweight-restricting sports such as volleyball or football. Furthermore, disordered eating patterns are found more in female athletes than in males. In a NCAA survey of collegiate athl...

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...utjesdyk, D., & Jevne, R. (1993). "Eating disorders among high performance athletes". Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 22, 271-281.

13. Sundgot-Borgen, J. (1994). "Risk and trigger factors for the development of eating disorders in female elite athletes". Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 414-418.

14. "Ultra slim & fast" (1996). Psychology Today, 29, 17-18.

15. Vuori, Ilkka (1996). "Peak bone mass and physical activity: a short review". Nutrition Reviews, 54, S11-17.

16. Warren, B., Stanton, A., & Blessing, D. (1990). "Disordered eating patterns in competitive female athletes". International Journal of Eating Disorders, 9, 565- 569.

17. Williamson, D. et al. (1995). "Structural equation modeling of risk factors for the development of eating disorder symptoms in female athletes". International Journal of Eating Disorders, 17, 387-393.

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