Binge Eating Disorder and Athletes

When it comes to eating disorders, many people are aware of anorexia and bulimia nervosa, and these two disorders are typically discussed and analyzed. However, binge eating disorder more commonly affects individuals across the United States, yet there is not necessarily as much information or resources for Athletes Struggling with Binge Eating Disorder.

There are also many stigmas and misconceptions that surround binge eating disorder, commonly, that it is not a “true” eating disorder, or that it merely has to do with a lack of self-control when it comes to eating. Binge eating disorder is a severe psychiatric illness that can adversely impact a person’s life if left unaddressed and untreated.

Understanding Athletes Struggling with Binge Eating Disorder

Eating disorders, in general, do not discriminate and impact individuals regardless of size, stature, age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, culture and more. A group of individuals who are also impacted by eating disorders are athletes, whether competing at the high school, collegiate or professional level.

While a variety of both genetic and environmental factors contribute to a person’s susceptibility to developing an eating disorder, the increased pressures that an athlete might face to perform at a certain level can be triggering to a person who already has other risk factors.

Certain sports that hyper-focus on an athlete’s size and shape may also put increased stress and pressure on an individual who may already be susceptible to developing an eating disorder. Such sports include ballet, long-distance running, wrestling, weight lifting and more.

At more intense levels of competition, athletes may also be required to follow strict diets and training regiments during their season.

Any type of restrictive eating, whether unintentional or purposed for athletic training and competition, can increase urges to binge eat.

An athlete who may be discouraged from eating certain foods during their training season may find himself or herself struggling with insurmountable urges and cravings for these foods, particularly if feeling “deprived”.

Strict dieting for training purposes can backfire, especially for those who may already be vulnerable to developing an eating disorder.

Identifying Binge Eating Disorder Among Athletes

There is a common misconception that individuals with binge eating disorder must be overweight or obese, however, weight and size are not a criteria that defines this eating disorder. Even the most disciplined and trained athlete can struggle with binge eating disorder and may feel ashamed for seeking out the help and professional support they need for recovery.

Binge eating disorder is not just a matter of having a lack of self-control when it comes to eating. An athlete who is struggling with binge eating disorder will experience a compulsive drive to eat and continue eating, even when not physically hungry.

Athletes who are affected by binge eating disorder will also feel overwhelming shame, guilt, and embarrassment of their eating habits or how much food they may have consumed in a binge eating session.

Because there are so many complex factors that can contribute to the development of binge eating disorder in athletes, it is crucial to seek out professional help and treatment for this eating disorder and recovery.

Coaches who are in frequently contact and communication with athletes may be helpful in early identification and treatment of binge eating disorder. Being aware of abnormal eating habits, isolation from social events that involve food, and associated anxiety and depression can signal that an eating disorder may be present.

Having a discussion with an athlete who may be dealing with binge eating disorder can be a practical way for opening up a conversation, expressing concern, and helping an individual connect to the treatment they need for recovery and support.

This can be invaluable for an athlete who may be struggling to keep up with their sport while dealing with an eating disorder such as binge eating.

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About the Author:

Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating.

Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her nutrition private practice.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on May 28, 2019
Published March 28, 2016, on EatingDisorderHope.com