Therapy for Eating Disorders in Runners
It begins with a passion, a want for something more. It feels like the strive for speed is an addiction. You lose yourself in the desire for improvement.
Do you find yourself struggling to take rest days? Is the thought of not working out after finding out about an injury leading you down a spiral? Are you caught in the anxiety of how to fuel yourself for races and feel you can never seem to get it right?
Whether you are dreading your run, day after day, or wishing you could take a break but just feel too guilty, we are here to help. Running is not supposed to be torture (at least not all the time). Do you miss feeling that “high” after a great workout? Do you end the workout, instead feeling drained and beat down? Maybe you rack your brain with what type of food, supplement, or nutritional information could possibly make you feel better.
Runners are at a higher risk of eating disorders.
Symptoms of Disordered Eating in Runners
Wrestling with endless thoughts of how to fuel our runs can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming. You may feel persistent anxiety around rest days or injuries, which leaves you feeling hopeless and exhausted. It is important to recognize that these symptoms are not a sign of weakness or doubt in your ability as a runner. Here are a few common symptoms that might resonate with you:
loneliness or isolation
fatigue
no period
hopelessness
fear of rest days
constant thoughts of food or your body
feeling dread before runs
GI discomfort
-
Runners tend to have strong characteristics that make them thrive in a competitive environment. These include, being achievement-oriented, sensitive to consequences, high attention to detail, and a high pain tolerance. These characteristics are also traits that allow an eating disorder to thrive.
-
Most individuals are exposed to societal and cultural pressure regarding weight. This can be further emphasized in running due to pressures to fit into the team culture, as well as myths such as thin=faster. (Secrets out, it is a myth for a reason!)
-
Revealing uniforms have been shown to increase stress around one’s body and decrease body esteem. Along with body image concerns, a high conflict relationship between a coach and an athlete is associated with increased eating concerns.
Why are running and eating disorders are so connected?
Do you want to learn more about eating disorders in runners?
Eating disorders can be really confusing and often after learning more, folks start asking, “but am I sick enough”. For us, it is never a matter of if you fit into a certain box or how sick you feel you are. If you are struggling, you deserve help. However, here are a few commonly asked questions to help you understand more about eating disorders in runners.
-
Absolutely not! If you are struggling with either your relationship with running, your body, or food, then this is the right place for you! Eating disorders are common among runners, however, disordered eating is much more common. My goals is to help you reach your goals and be the healthiest version of yourself (whatever that means to you)!
-
Therapy with Serendipity Counseling Services is all Telehealth and in the comfort of your own home! You will log into a HIPPA-compliant video call and we will chat about your relationship with running and how food and your body play a role.
-
First we would schedule a free consultation to see if we feel we are a good fit. Finding the right therapist is very important!
Next, we set up a first session were I will learn more about what brought you to therapy and about your background as a runner and much more!
After that, we will schedule a follow up where we will start to dive deeper into your relationship with food, your body, and running. Don’t worry, we will go as slow as you need!
-
Eating disorders usually start with some type of disordered eating. Whether this is trying out a new fad, diet, or lifestyle, there may not be too much anxiety. However, if there is disordered eating, chances are high that it will interfere with your running. Disordered eating is a pattern of eating that is not intuitive and may or may not be intentional.
Eating disorders on the other hand are a classification of disorders that cause harm physically and mentally to the body. (Don’t get me wrong, disordered eating can also do this). The thing is that eating disorders have specific definitions in order for treatment to be covered by insurance companies. Ultimately, many folks do not fit into the perfect box of an eating disorder definition.
-
Disordered exercise can be difficulty to see with the naked eye because it is often about mindset and proper fueling/recovery. However, a few signs you may notice are running outside of practice times, running hard on easy days, or difficulty with taking days off. To learn more about signs of compulsive exercise, check out our blog post!
-
Every person’s recovery journey looks different. That means that you can recover while continuing to run, and in fact I want to keep you running as long as you want to be there! Running can be such a big part of your identity and I believe it can be more harmful to rip that away while going through recovery. However, if your doctor believes you are medically compromised and it would be dangerous to continue running, I will recommend a temporary holt.
-
There are many factors that lead to someone’s battle with an eating disorder. I do not believe that just one factor is the “cause”, but rather a combination of the perfect storm. These factors include genetics, sociocultural, and sports related factors. Athletes are more likely to develop an eating disorder compared to non-athletes.
-
Yes! Runners of all genders, ages, abilities, cultures, and sizes can struggle with an eating disorder. However, eating disorders in males are under recorded due to males being less likely to seek help.
-
Working on period recovery while continuing to run is possible for some, if you are able to increase your intake. However, sometimes it requires you to take a step back in training or pause altogether. Having an irregular period (or no period at all) is a warning sign from your body!
Counseling can help with eating disorders in runners.
REDs
What is REDs?
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
REDs was an expansion of the Female Athlete Triad. It shows how low energy availability (LEA) can impact both females and males, highlighting the different impacts that LEA can have on both health and performance in sport.
Below is a diagram of how REDs interferes with the different parts and systems in our body.
Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder as a runner or struggling to fuel your body for the amount of running you are doing, if can be harmful and dangerous towards different parts of your body.
Health Impacts
Performance Impacts
Mental Health
The brain is fueled by carbs. When we are not fueling our bodies enough, mood is one of the first things to be impacted. Ever heard of being HANGRY?
You may notice more anxiety or/and depression, as well as isolation from teammates.
Increased impatience and difficulty getting along with others.
Rigidity around food, workouts, rest days often comes into play, making the flexibility and unknowns of being an athlete a bit difficult!
Get Support with Eating Disorder Therapy for Runners in Cherry Hill & Online Throughout NJ, PA, MD, VT, FL and AZ
For many runners, the pressure to perform can quietly impact their relationship with food, training, and body image. If you're navigating disordered eating while trying to stay competitive, you're not alone. At Serendipity Counseling Services, I offer therapy that addresses the unique challenges of eating disorders in runners. Our work together will focus on finding balance, supporting both your athletic goals and your overall well-being.
Ready to reconnect with your body in a healthier way? Here’s how to get started:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to explore your needs and ask questions.
Book your first session for personalized eating disorder therapy designed with runners in mind.
Begin your healing process with support that understands the unique struggles of runners.
Additional Services to Support Eating Disorders in Runners in New Jersey
As a therapist specializing in eating disorders in runners, I help athletes explore the often hidden struggles between fueling properly and striving for performance. My approach is designed to support not just physical health, but emotional well-being and a more balanced relationship with food and training.
In addition to individualized eating disorder therapy for athletes, I offer targeted support through athlete-centered groups that encourage open conversation and shared healing. I also engage in speaking engagements to break the silence and stigma surrounding eating disorders in the running community. When you’re ready, support is here.
Professional Runners Who Have Struggled