Nutrition, Eating Disorders, and Behavior in Athletes

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the nutrition requirements for athletes, and gives insight into why this is often an area of confusion for both the athletic community and the general population. In addition, the prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating in athletes is reviewed, and how and why they may go unnoticed. In addition, a discussion is provided on the harmful effects of unhealthy food behaviors on health and performance, and how to assess and establish a care team for an athlete who is struggling.

Keywords: Body image; Disordered eating; Eating disorders; Family-based therapy; Low energy availability; Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S).