Eating Disorders and Sports.

Since sports can sometimes lend themselves to eating disorders, coaches and sports administrators must get involved in the detection and treatment of this problem. While no reliable studies or statistics exist on the incidence of anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia among athletes, some research suggests that such disorders occur frequently among children and young adults in activities like gymnastics, figure skating, middle and long distance running, swimming and diving, rowing, and wrestling. One study demonstrated that the sport itself can be a factor in either precipitating or preventing pathogenic weight control. Sports which emphasize endurance, aesthetics, and weight levels featured the highest number of athletes at risk for developing an eating disorder. A recent survey by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) revealed that eating disorders have become a significant health problem among college athletes, with 93 percent of the reported problems involving women's sports. Another predicament arises from the medical community's constant warnings against over eating while doctors virtually ignore the health risks presented by underweight individuals. The study examines the treatment problems commonly encountered with athletes and argues for more stringent guidelines in the sports community so as to monitor and assist those at risk for developing eating disorders. Contains 19 references. (RJM)