The intensity and perfectionism that drive Olympic athletes also put them at high risk for eating disorders

Emily Hemendinger

Olympians – athletes at the top of their sport and in prime health – are idolized and often viewed as superhuman. These athletes spend their lives focusing on building physical strength through rigorous training and diets that are honed to provide the nutrients necessary to excel at their sport.

However, athletes are at considerable risk for eating disorders and having an unhealthy relationship with food and their bodies.

The distinctive lifestyle of elite athletes can create a hotbed for eating disorders and disordered eating, meaning restrictive, compulsive, irregular or inflexible eating patterns, all of which can occur on a spectrum.

In 2019, 19% of male and 45% of female athletes worldwide experienced disordered eating behaviors, according to the International Olympic Committee. For perspective, in the general population, about 9% to 10% of Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.

Read More

New study questions benefits of intermittent fasting for weight loss

Good Morning America

Dr. Darien Sutton explains findings that intermittent fasting offers little advantage for weight loss or quality of life compared to calorie restriction, healthier eating or no intervention.

Watch the video HERE.