When we think of elite athletes, we often picture peak performance, strength, discipline—and optimal health. But beneath that image lies a hidden reality: many athletes face serious struggles with disordered eating or full-blown eating disorders. As someone who treats athletes with eating disorders and is deeply attuned to body image, performance pressure, and mental health, I believe it’s critical we shine a compassionate light on this issue.

What the Research Shows: Eating Disorders Are Common in Sport

• A recent 2025 study of collegiate athletes at a Division I university found 38.2% of surveyed athletes at risk for an eating disorder, and 47.2% at risk for low energy availability (LEA) — a precursor to serious health issues. (SpringerLink)

• Historically, reviews estimate that eating disorder or disordered-eating prevalence ranges from 6–45% among female athletes and 0–19% among male athletes. (PubMed)

• In certain sports — especially those emphasizing leanness, body composition, or aesthetics — rates are even higher. For instance, aesthetic and endurance sports (gymnastics, dance, cross-country, swimming, etc.) frequently show elevated risk. (The Sport Journal)

• Some studies of less-studied sports (e.g., equestrian athletes) still report surprisingly high rates — a reminder that no sport is “immune.” (National Athletic Trainers’ Association)

In short: athletic participation does not protect you from eating disorders — in many cases, it increases risk.

Why Athletes Are Especially Vulnerable

There are many overlapping pressures that make athletes more susceptible to disordered eating:

• Performance & appearance pressure. Sports where body weight, leanness, or physique matter — gymnastics, swimming, dance, endurance running, wrestling, etc. — often implicitly or explicitly reward lower body weight or certain body shapes, increasing the temptation to control food or weight. (National Eating Disorders Association)

• High training demands + inadequate fueling. Intense training schedules burn a lot of energy. When athletes don’t adequately refuel (whether intentionally or from lack of knowledge), they may slip into patterns of under-eating or disordered fueling. (SpringerLink)

• Perfectionism, drive, and internal pressure. Many athletes are driven, goal-oriented, and perfectionistic — traits that can fuel not only athletic success but also harmful patterns of restriction or over-exercise. (National Eating Disorders Association)

• Cultural and coaching factors. Pressure from coaches, teammates, or sports culture to “make weight,” “look a certain way,” or “be lighter/fitter” can reinforce disordered eating behaviors — sometimes normalized or even encouraged in the name of performance. (National Eating Disorders Association)

• Lack of awareness and stigma. Despite prevalence, many athletes suffer in silence; shame, fear of losing their place on the team, or not being “taken seriously” may prevent them from seeking help. (The Emily Program)

 The Hidden Costs: Health, Performance & Identity

An eating disorder doesn’t just impact “eating.” Its effects ripple across all areas of physical and mental health — and for an athlete, across performance and identity.

• Physical health risks: prolonged under-fueling or disordered eating can lead to bone density loss, delayed recovery, fatigue, hormonal disruption, injuries — even long-term organ damage or fertility issues. (ANAD)

• Performance decline: paradoxically, the drive to be “lighter and faster” often backfires. With insufficient fuel and energy, the body becomes weaker, recovery suffers, and performance drops. (The Sport Journal)

• Mental health toll: shame, anxiety, body-dissatisfaction, obsessive thoughts about weight and food, isolation — all increase risk for depression, burnout, or even more serious mental health crises.

• Identity and worth tied to appearance: many athletes tie their self-worth to performance and body image. When disordered eating becomes part of their identity, it can be especially hard to separate “athlete self” from “eater self.”

 What Can Help — For Athletes, Coaches, Families & Support Systems

Recovering health and balance is possible. Some of the most effective supports and preventive steps include:

• Education & open conversation: Teams, coaches, and athletic programs should normalize discussion of fueling, nutrition, mental health, and body image — not just performance and wins. Emphasizing functionality over aesthetics helps. (National Eating Disorders Association)

• Early screening & intervention: Routine screening for disordered eating and risk factors (especially in high-risk sports) can help identify issues before they worsen. (SpringerLink)

• Access to qualified support: Athletic programs should have relationships with dietitians, therapists, or other mental-health professionals familiar with athlete-specific ED concerns — not just general population approaches.

• Cultivating healthy team culture: Coaches and teammates who promote balanced nutrition, rest, self-care, and mental health over body shape or weight can create a protective environment. (National Eating Disorders Association)

• Self-compassion and body neutrality: Encouraging athletes to value what their bodies do rather than how they look — celebrate strength, skill, recovery, and stability over weight metrics.

Why This Matters — And Why You Should Share It

Sports culture often glamorizes leanness, discipline, and pushing limits. But behind many personal victories lie untold struggles with food, body image, and mental health. By raising awareness of eating disorders among athletes, we:

• Give voice to those who suffer in silence

• Help shift culture toward sustainability and well-being

• Encourage safer, healthier sport environments

• Support long-term athlete health — not just short-term performance

If you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or teammate, sharing knowledge and supporting healthy habits is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and others. If you are a parent, loved one, or coach and would like to discuss further or you are struggling with and eating disorder or body image concerns, please reach out.