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Anorexia in Athletes

By Nicole Bourquin, MS, BA
Reprinted from Eating Disorders Today
Fall 2005 Volume 3, Number 4
©2005 Gürze Books

Possible Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa in Athletes:

1. Amenorrhea, or lack of starting menstruation (girls)

2. Dehydration, pale, dry skin, sunken eyes, wrinkled fingers, and lethargy

3. Unusual or constant fatigue

4. Gastrointestinal problems (constipation, diarrhea, bloating)

5. Hyperactivity, sometimes almost seeming “manic”

6. Cold intolerance

7. Avoidance of eating and eating situations with others

8. Repeated weighing practice—many times a day

9. Avoidance of dressing in front of team members and others

10. Suddenly wearing sweats during training

11. Claims of “feeling fat” despite being thin

12. Compulsiveness and rigidity, especially regarding eating and exercise (excessive calorie counting, etc.)

13. Excessive or obligatory exercise beyond what is required for their sport; a sudden increase in training hours, or training when injured

14. Minimal eating while being at a low weight, playing with food, making it look as if they have eaten, or eating food and spitting it out

15. Depression, declined interest in social situations, and/or isolation

16. Resistance to weight gain or maintenance recommended by professionals

Additional Resources:
Far-Reaching Effects of Sexual Abuse
Fat is NOT JUST a Feminist Issue Anymore
Father Hunger
Fathers: A Potential Antidote to the "If Only I Were Skinny" Fantasy
Finding the Needle in the Haystack of Eating Disorders Care-Providers