Eating disorders don't just threaten athletes' performance

DOCTOR ON CALL / Dr MUIRIS HOUSTON: ARE FEMALE athletes at greater risk of developing an eating disorder? My friend is obsessed with her weight and how it affects her performance as a long-distance runner.

THE PREVALENCE of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia in sports people is not well documented. But some experts have estimated up to 60 per cent of female athletes and 33 per cent of male athletes could be prone to disordered eating. Eating disorders have become more common in the general population. For athletes, particular risk factors include poor training regimes, too many competitions and a "win-at-all-costs" approach.

As you might expect, the incidence is greater in sports that emphasise leanness, including gymnastics, synchronised swimming and distance running. Athletes involved in sports categorised by weight are also at risk.

The health effects of eating disorders don't just threaten an athlete's performance. Cardiac problems, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and reproductive problems pose a significant risk to health. If your friend has irregular periods or if her periods have disappeared, this is an indication she may have an eating disorder.

A female athlete whose periods have ceased should probably have a specialist DEXA scan to see if she has developed osteoporosis. Low bone density is due to a loss of oestrogen because of an inadequate intake of calories. Other signs that could mean an athlete is concealing an eating disorder include a day-time heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute and a temperature of less than 96 degrees Fahrenheit.

The US National Athletic Trainers Association advises measurements such as body mass index (BMI) be monitored every three months. It suggests for athletes over 18, a BMI of 18.5kg/m2 or lower should trigger concern. For those aged 12 to 18, a cut off based on percentile weight is needed as BMI measurements can be misleading in this group.

Your friend may have an eating disorder. Offer her support, and if possible steer her towards seeking help from her coach or doctor.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times