NEDAwareness Week Day Three: Athletes and Eating Disorders

• Did you know athletes are at higher risk of developing an eating disorder? 
  Learn more: nedawareness.org #NEDAwareness 

Body image problems, disordered eating and full-blown eating disorders are common among athletes. Though most athletes with eating disorders are female, male athletes are also at risk—especially those competing in sports such as wrestling, bodybuilding, gymnastics, and running, which tend to place an emphasis on the athlete’s diet, appearance, size, and weight requirements.

In a study of Division 1 NCAA athletes, over one-third of female athletes reported attitudes and symptoms placing them at risk for anorexia nervosa (Johnson, Powers, et al, 1999). In weight-class and aesthetic sports about 33% of males and up to 62% of females are affected by an eating disorder (Thompson, PhD. 2010). The good news is that with information and awareness, coaches, parents and teammates can all play an important role in confronting eating disorders and ensuring that athletics are a positive experience for everyone.

For More Information Read Here:

Information for Coaches, Parents, Trainers, and Teammates

Athletes More Susceptible to Eating Disorders

Information for Coaches, Trainers, and Gyms:

Coach and Athletic Trainer ToolKit

10 Tips for Coaches

Information Card For Gyms, Trainers, and Coaches

Get Involved:

Eating Disorders in Athletes Tweet Chat Tuesday February 24th at 11:30 Central Time