This common issue among student-athletes often goes overlooked.
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Eating disorders and disordered eating are commonly experienced by athletes, but sorely under-recognized by parents, coaches, teachers, therapists and even physicians. As a result, this critical topic is not well understood or discussed as often as it should be. Athletic competition can be a factor that contributes to severe psychological and physical stress, particularly in high school and college-age athletes. As a result, the pressure to win and an emphasis on body weight or shape can create a toxic combination for young athletes.
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In a study of NCAA Division I student-athletes, over one-third of female athletes reported attitudes and symptoms placing them at risk for anorexia nervosa. Though we often think of eating disorders as something that affects female athletes exclusively, male athletes are also at risk - especially those competing in sports that tend to place an emphasis on the athlete’s diet, appearance, size, and weight requirements.
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Risk Factor for Athlete Eating Disorders
NEDA lists the following risk factors for athlete eating disorders:
- Sports that emphasize appearance, weight requirements, or muscularity
- Sports that focus on the individual rather than the entire team
- Endurance sports (such as track and field, running, swimming)
- An overvalued belief that lower body weight will improve performance
- Training for a sport since childhood or being an elite athlete.
- Coaches who focus primarily on success and performance rather than on the athlete as a whole person
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Psychological and social factors, cited by NEDA include:
- Low self-esteem
- Family dysfunction (including parents who live through the success of their child in sport)
- Families with a history of eating disorders, or chronic dieting
- History of physical or sexual abuse
- Peer, family, and cultural pressures to be thin
- Social influences emphasizing thinness
- Performance anxiety, and negative self-appraisal of athletic achievement
- An identity solely based on participation in athletics
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The sports most commonly impacted by eating disorders include body building, dancing, diving, figure skating, gymnastics, running, swimming, track & field and wrestling. Eating disorders are more common in individual than team sports.
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These critical factors go beyond the scope and expertise of most parents and coaches. When identified, these cases should be referred to school counseling and social work staff or to mental health providers in the community. When making a referral it is important to find a provider that understands that student-athletes “just hit differently” than their non-student-athlete peers.
Athletes who perform at a high level possess many qualities which also make them vulnerable to the development of an eating disorder, including mental toughness and a commitment to training in the pursuit of excellence; mental health providers must at least understand and accept that athletes have different mental health needs and wants. Athletes also face additional pressures such as revealing uniforms, expectations to fit the norms of a specific sport or the belief that weight loss will increase the chances to win, or perhaps even earn a college scholarship.
Choosing a mental health provider who understands the unique characteristics of a student-athlete can make the difference between success and failure in the treatment of eating disorders in young athletes. As parents, it's important to recognize the risk factors and signs associated with these disorders, then be aware of your young athlete's behavior so that you can seek help if needed. The resources below provide additional information and tools to help parents understand this important issue and act when necessary.
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To learn from a real and very personal story of an athlete who struggled with an eating disorder, go to www.runninginsilence.com to listen to Rachael Steil, author and speaker. Rachel formed "Running in Silence" to empower the athletic community to talk about eating disorders so that athletes speak up, seek help and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
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Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
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Join Us for "Monthly Meetups" Starting February 23rd!
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Beginning Wednesday, February 23rd at Noon EST, Play Like a Champion invites partners to bring your lunch and join us virtually for our new "Monthly Meetups" series via Zoom. This virtual gathering will be an opportunity for leaders to interact with peers from across the country and discuss important topics in the youth & high school sports space. Each 50 minute meetup will give partners the chance to learn from fellow leaders as well as share their own successes and challenges as we work together to provide the best possible experience for young athletes. There's no cost to attend, simply save the date and look for a separate email with a registration link later this week!
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Thank you father, for the gift of my son/daughter(s), and the opportunity to watch them play these games they love. May I always be aware of the important role I play in these activities. May I be for them a source of support, to lend an ear when they need to talk, to encourage them when things are difficult, or simply to be their biggest fan. Grant that I may have the grace to be for them a source of wisdom and strength, a positive example and a welcomed face in the crowd. More than that, grant that I might play with them as often as I can, understanding that our time together is one of your greatest gifts. Father in Heaven,
may I imitate your love for my own children, and through support of their athletic endeavors, help them always to grow closer to you. Amen.
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Play Like a Champion's "Daily Prayers for Champions" page has been updated! Visit www.playlikeachampion.org/daily-prayers for more than 200 prayers plus resources that can help you and your team grow closer to God while participating in sports.
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Play Like a Champion Today Educational Series
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