What percentage of male and female athletes suffer from an eating disorder?

Eating Disorders and Athletes

Although estimates vary, eating disorders are thought to be more prevalent among female athletes. Up to 50 percent of female athletes exhibit symptoms of disordered eating, although actual clinical eating disorders are diagnosed in a small percentage of athletes (less than 5 percent). Some sources estimate males make up 1 in 10 cases of athlete eating disorders, while others say about one-quarter of those affected are male. Studies suggest men are more likely than women to develop eating disorders that include bingeing and purging.

Certain high profile sports are associated with a higher risk for eating disorders than others. For females, gymnastics, figure skating, dancing, swimming, diving and track appear to be highest risk. For men, wrestling and bodybuilding are high risk.

Why Athletes Might Develop Eating Disorders

Athletes, especially those excelling at sports that emphasize appearance and thinness or in sports that fall under a specific weight class (such as wrestling), are at increased risk for developing eating disorders. While there is no single cause for eating disorders, these athletes may feel an increased pressure to maintain a certain physique. In gymnastics and figure skating, for instance, athletes are judged partly by their appearance. Some coaches may even directly emphasize the importance of low weight and thinness for top performance.

Other reasons athletes might develop eating disorders include:

- Lack of nutrition counseling due to the coach's lack of knowledge about nutrition or the coach placing importance on body weight instead of proper fueling of the athlete.

- Perfectionistic tendencies.

- Body image concerns.

- Low self-esteem.

- A history of abuse.

- Depression or anxiety.

Recognizing Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is a serious medical and mental health condition that must be treated. If you think you or an athlete you know may have an eating disorder, seek professional help. Here are some symptoms of eating disorders to look for:

Athletes with an eating disorder may

- Become extremely restricted in food intake.

- Compulsively exercise for long hours.

- Be preoccupied with thoughts about food, calories and body weight.

- Have a distorted body image.

- Experience weight loss but complain that they "don't feel thin enough."

- Develop a fear of weight gain or becoming fat.

- Have poor energy or feel tired/fatigued.

- Have irregular heart beat.

- Have poor immunity and get sick frequently.

- Show signs of depression, anxiety or withdrawal from friends and activities.

Recovery for Athletes

Because of their intense focus on competition, athletes may have a harder time in treatment for an eating disorder. Some also fear recovery and weight gain can negatively affect their performance. However, with the right support, athletes can achieve full physical recovery and return to their sport.