Eating Disorders

Its fall and back-to-school time. Along with return to the
classroom comes gearing-up for fall and winter sports. Athletics
can play a very positive role for young people in terms of physical
fitness, learning to work as part of a team, and in overall confidence
and self-esteem. However, participation in athletics may place some
at risk for the development of an eating disorder. The hard work,
obsessiveness, and perfectionism that are useful in sports can also
contribute to unhealthy eating and exercise habits. Certain activities have a higher risk quotient for developing an eating disorder, especially those which emphasize weight or form, such as gymnastics, ballet, wrestling, skating, swimming and diving. Cultural expectations of how an athlete should look, as well as perceived pressures from coaches to lose weight or body fat may increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. In young women, the loss of menstrual function and increased risk of osteoporosis are potential medical complications, along with the psychological fall-out from an endless obsession with thinness and optimal performance.

It is vital that parents, educators, and healthcare professionals be aware of the warning signs of eating disorders and seek an expert professional opinion if these occur. Signs to watch for include:

• Significant weight loss
• Fear or focus on being or becoming “fat”
• Restrictive eating or episodic binge eating
• Fear of losing control of weight or eating
• Signs of self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives or diuretics
• Excessive exercise, in terms of frequency, intensity, or interference with other life activities
• Negative body image and obsession with body size and weight
• Lack of menstrual period

Even with a question of “disorder eating” versus “eating disorder”, it may be worthwhile to contact a physician or an eating disorder specialist. At Northeast Psychological Associates, we have several therapists with expertise in this area to assist you.

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