Anorexia and Running: Understanding the Risks for Competitive Runners in Cherry Hill, NJ
Competitive Runners are at a higher risk of eating disorders and yet it is not talked about much. I remember when I was in college, the word eating disorders was never brought up and neither were periods or eating enough. Yet it is estimated that about 45% of female athletes struggle with an eating disorder. This number goes up when we talk endurance sports such as running. Anorexia in Runners is about 35% of that number. So let’s break down the risk factors and see how this is relevant to you.
Why Runners Are at Higher Risk for Anorexia
The endurance culture of sports has an emphasis on discipline, control and restriction. In long distance running, being strick is partnered with the mindset of being a “better” athlete. This leads to so many rumors and myths. The well known myth I have talked about before is the concept that lighter means faster. This praises thinness during a sport where underfueling is so prevalent. Perfectionism already runs rampant in runners and often leads to high achieving tendencies that increase vulnerability to eating disorders in an attempt to perform at a higher level.
Warning Signs of Anorexia in Runners
There are both physical, behavioral and performance-related signs of anorexia. The way someone looks does not determine if someone is struggling with an eating disorder. Someone can struggle with restriction and not lose weight or appear to be at a “normal” weight. Here are some other signs to look out for:
Physical Signs:
Fatigue
Dizziness
Frequent injuries
Stress fractures
Long standing injuries
Loss of menstrual cycle in female athletes
Behavioral Signs:
Obsessive tracking of calories or mileage
Skipping team meals
Restrictive eating habits
Withdrawal from social situations involving food
Performance-Related Signs:
Initially improving times, followed by plateau or decline
Repeated injuries
Slower recovery time between workouts
Health Risks of Anorexia in Runners
Health risks increase significantly when an eating disorder comes into play and it doesn’t waste any time. Recent studies show low energy deficiency coming into play with just a few days of underfueling. Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S): When you do not have enough fuel coming into the body as being used, there is low energy availability in the body to function properly.
How RED-S Impacts the Body
Immune System
Gastrointestinal
Menstrual Function
Cardiovascular
Bone Health
Psychological
Endocrine
Growth and Development
Hematological
Metabolic
How RED-S Impacts Performance
Decreased endurance performance
Increased injury risk
Decreased muscle strength
Decreased glycogen stores
Decreased training response
Depression
Impaired judgment
Irritability
Decreased concentration
Decreased coordination
So as you can see, the physical risk factors of low energy availability impacts so many aspects of performance. This is scary when it comes to being a competitive runner and how this impacts not only races, but also daily practices.
Breaking the Cycle of Anorexia and Runners
Understanding that fueling properly enhances, not harms performance is the first key to success as an athlete. Recognizing the signs early is key number 2! Coaches and parents play an important role here in encouraging supportive and vulnerable conversations around bodies, fueling and performance.
Eating Disorder Therapy and Treatment Options in Cherry Hill, NJ
There are many different options to start your recovery journey in NJ. Outpatient treatment such as Serendipity Counseling helps guide athletes through approaches such as CBT and ACT. Family-Based Treatment is used to help adolescents and teens with guidance from parents and caregivers. If you are looking for a higher level of care, Monte Nido’s adolescent program, Clementine, is located in Cherry Hill, NJ for those that need 24/7 care in a warm and supportive environment. Monte Nido has an adult and adolescent program in Philadelphia for those that need that “inbetween” care of support during the day, but not overnight.
What Recovery Can Look Like for Runners
Rebuilding a healthy relationship with food leads to fueling for performance and life. This takes shifting focus from appearance to strength, endurance and resilience. Finding a balance between running goals and overall health leads to sustainable training and longevity in the sport. Runners will return from recovery stronger and hopeful for the future.
Taking the First Step: Hope for Athletes in Recovery
Anorexia and running is serious. It puts competitive runners at risk for many health concerns. However, recovery is possible. Early intervention is so important for athletes, families and coaches. Therapy can help runners not only protect their health, but also find joy in their sport again. If you or a loved one is looking to start the journey of freedom from food, here are the steps to take.
Schedule a free consultation call.
Meet Kate and get to know each other in your first therapy session.
Start your healing journey to full recovery!
Other Services
Serendipity Counseling Services offers more than just one on one therapy sessions. If you are not ready to start individual therapy, you can check out different eating disorders recovery podcasts that Kate has been featured in. Serendipity also offers a support group for “Retired” Athletes who are struggling to find their identity outside of their sport.
About the Author: An Eating Disorder Therapist for Athletes
Kate Ringwood is owner and psychotherapist at Serendipity Counseling Services. She offers support for teens and adults with training in CBT, ACT, RODBT, and even Family-Based Therapy (FBT). Kate leads with compassion while also educating her athletes on the dangers of competitive sports and low energy availability.
