The pressures of elite sports can take a toll on female athletes' mental health, with a recent survey revealing alarming statistics about body image and eating disorders. Among the 152 elite athletes surveyed, 27% reported negative feelings about their body image, and 44% have experienced an eating disorder or disordered eating. These findings are even more concerning when compared to the general population, where research suggests up to 17% of Australians have an eating disorder or more than three symptoms of disordered eating.
The survey, conducted by ABC Sport in partnership with Deakin University, sheds light on the challenges faced by female athletes. One athlete shared her experience of skipping meals and restricting her eating due to the pressures of looking a certain way and impressing coaches. Another athlete recalled feeling extra pressure to lose weight because of her more muscular body type. These pressures can lead to disordered eating, which may include restrictive dieting, binge eating, or skipping meals.
The issue is not limited to elite athletes; it also affects recreational athletes. A study by Edith Cowan University found that most recreational exercisers were not satisfied with their appearance, specifically their body weight and shape. This highlights the need for support and intervention for athletes at all levels.
The ASPIRE study, led by clinical psychologist Scott Fatt, found that almost 80% of participants were at risk of disordered eating. Fatt explains that athletes experience body image differently due to societal expectations and the specific demands of their sport. For example, a female basketball player might need to be strong and muscular to perform well, but she may feel uncomfortable with those muscles in social settings.
Melanie Kawa, a former rugby player, shared her experience of disordered eating throughout her career. She realized she had been under-fuelling herself and that proper nutrition led to better performance. Both Kawa and Matilda Friend emphasize the importance of proper nourishment for optimal performance, challenging the common focus on weight loss in sports.
To address these issues, Fatt suggests a holistic approach to supporting athletes. This includes changing communication around appearance, body image, and weight within the sporting environment, as well as reevaluating policies and practices that involve weighing athletes. By tackling the problem from multiple angles, the sporting community can create a healthier and more supportive environment for female athletes.
