Disordered Eating

The effects of disordered eating and eating disorders can be extremely harmful - not only to an athlete’s performance, but to his physical and emotional well-being. While an athlete may be able to sustain performance during the early stages of disordered eating, lack of adequate energy to train and compete will eventually limit performance and adversely affect the athlete’s health.

Disordered eating…

  • is when an athlete’s attitudes about food, weight, and body size lead to very rigid eating and exercise habits.
  • may begin as a way to lose a few pounds, gain muscle, or get in shape, but these behaviors can quickly get out of control and become obsessions.
  • can jeopardize your health, happiness, safety, and sport performance.
  • may turn into an eating disorder.

When you begin to notice that disordered eating habits are affecting your life, your happiness, and your ability to concentrate, it is important that you talk to somebody about what you are going through. Although you might not be struggling with an eating disorder, sometimes it is necessary to recognize disordered eating tendencies and address them before they escalate into a life-threatening problem.

If you are able to recognize disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in yourself, you have already taken the first step toward a happy, healthy, balanced way of life. The second step – telling a trusted friend, family member, coach, or professional counselor/nutritionist - is equally important.

You should not attempt to address your disordered eating alone.

You will benefit from the support of others and the comfort of discussing the feelings you’re experiencing.