Athletes in particular sports, notes Ball State (IN) University Counselor Lara Preacco, are more prone to eating disorders than others.  “Sports partially based on aesthetics, like diving and gymnastics, are more prone to generate athletes with eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are the types of eating disorders these athletes are likely to develop.”

Preacco notes that sports with particular weight classes also produce athletes that are likely to develop bad eating habits or eating disorders.  This includes sports such as wrestling, boxing, or judo.  Athletes may need to lose several pounds to fit into a specific weight class, and purging has been the accepted way to do this, experts point out.

Some may assume that athletes that play sports where bulk is necessary, such as football, wouldn’t suffer from eating disorders.  Not true, says Preacco and colleague Fred Campbell.  For these athletes, Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is prevalent.  Binge Eating Disorder is defined as a disorder in which an individual binges on food consistently (such as for several days before a game) and doesn't participate in purging activities such as vomiting, as do individuals with bulimia.  

Often, eating disorders among athletes go unreported as these individuals fear that will be removed from the team.  At times, fellow athletes, concerned for another’s health, will report the problem to team officials and help can commence.

"Food is energy and strength. It's not an athlete's enemy.” Campbell says. “When athletes develop eating disorders, strength, coordination, speed and endurance decrease, affecting the ability to perform.”