On both sides of our practice, Joanne and I have observed the fine line between sports nutrition and disordered eating, as the focus on weight and body size that accompanies some sports can have unfortunate consequences.
This month, we explore the link between weight, athletics, and eating disorders. In "Warning Bells," below, the mother of one of Joanne's patients shares with us how red flags of eating disorders can be missed or glossed over because they present under the guise of sports performance. We thank her for sharing her daughter's story, as the rest of us can learn many lessons from their experience.
Thanks,
Jonah Soolman, Registered Dietitian / Co-Owner
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Warning Bells
"The running and working out increased but it was under the guise of getting ready for fall practices. I started to get nervous, but I kept waiting for her to get tired of the running, to get tired of reading labels."
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He Said, She Said: Weight Loss and Athletics
If the goal is better athletic performance, does trying to lose weight in pursuit of that end actually make sense?
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He Said
A significant difference exists between an athlete who naturally has a given size or shape versus someone who tries to force his or her body into that mold. That is where so many people get tripped up.
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She Said
Initially, these individuals seem to be doing the right thing, taking care of themselves and making the sacrifices needed to become the best at their sport. The problem arises when the obsession with weight, food, and exercise takes over the athlete's life. Read More
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Virtual Conference
We are healthcare practitioners, and as such, our focus is on health. Therefore, it may seem peculiar that we spend so much time
posting about size acceptance.
Unfortunately, society's stereotypes, stigmatization, and intolerance of people based on size and/or weight create obstacles that can prevent or discourage individuals from pursuing behaviors and treatments that could actually improve their health. In essence, size acceptance (or lack thereof) is a healthcare issue.
If you are interested in learning more, consider "attending" the
Fat Activism Conference, a virtual event taking place October 9-11th.
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