Eating Disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders are mental health disorders with extensive whole-body consequences. The prevalence and incidence of eating disorders are greater in female athletes, and these disorders are often associated with menstrual dysfunction and low bone mineral density (BMD)—an overall constellation of symptoms known as the Female Athlete Triad. More recently, the Male Athlete Triad has been defined similarly as low energy availability, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and low BMD. In active, athletic individuals, the “Triad” increases the risk of bone stress injuries. In addition to bone injury, eating disorders can adversely affect other systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and renal systems. Moreover, eating disorders are often accompanied by other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Multidisciplinary care is the gold standard for treatment, and at a minimum should include a physician, dietitian, and mental health professional experienced in eating disorder care. In the sports setting, athletic trainers play a key role in early identification, engagement in care, and return to sport. Return to sport guidelines for athletes affected by the Female Athlete Triad have been defined and can be used as a guide to return athletes across genders to sport.