How to Handle Eating Disorders

If you know a runner who seems to be struggling with food and weight issues, speak up. They may be experiencing anorexia or bulimia, dangerous eating behaviors that signal severe unhappiness and can be life threatening. Here are some tips for approaching this delicate subject.

Heed the signs.
Anorectic behavior includes extreme weight loss (often emaciation), obsessive dieting, compulsive exercise, spartan food intake despite significant energy expenditure, and distorted body perception (that is, frequent comments about feeling fat despite being obviously thin).

Runners who struggle with anorexia commonly wear layers of baggy clothing to hide their thinness and may complain about always feeling cold.

Bulimic behavior can be more subtle. The runner may eat a great deal of food and then rush to the bathroom; you may hear water running to cover-up the sound of vomiting. The person may hide laxatives and display other secretive behavior. The bulimic may have bloodshot eyes, swollen glands, and obvious weight fluctuations.

Approach the runner gently but persistently, saying you are worried about her health. Share your concerns about what you see: chronic fatigue, inability to finish training without becoming light-headed, injuries that are slow to heal.

These health issues are the likely stepping stones for accepting help; the athlete will undoubtedly resist changing the food and exercise patterns that offer a sense of control and stability.

Don't discuss weight or eating habits.
The runner takes great pride in being "perfectly thin" and may dismiss your concern as jealousy. The starving or gorging is not the key issue, but rather a smoke screen over the underlying emotional issues. Ask if she wants to talk about what is going on in her life.

Top of Page

Be supportive and listen sympathetically but don't expect the runner to admit she has a problem right away. Give it time. Remind the runner you believe in her. This will make a difference in the recovery.

Give a written list of resources for help.
Although the runner may repeatedly deny having any problems, one day she may admit despair and seek help. Local resources may be available at a health center or hospital. Or, contact these organizations that offer nationwide referrals to support groups and counselors.

www.NationalEatingDisorders.org
www.somethingfishy.org
www.bulimia.com

Don't deal with it alone.
If you feel you're making no headway and the runner is becoming more self-destructive, seek help from a trusted family member, medical professional, or health service. The sooner the runner gets help, the easier the recovery.

If necessary, make an appointment with an eating disorders counselor and bring the runner there yourself. Tell the runner you have to involve other people because you care about her health and happiness. If you are overreacting and there really is no problem, this health professional will simply be able to ease your mind.

Limit your expectations and be patient.
The healing process can be very long and difficult. Remember: you're not responsible for curing the problem. Your power comes from using healthcare professionals such as counselors, eating disorders clinics, dietitians, and doctors. Books about eating disorders can also help.

Copyright: Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD Nancy Clark's new Sports Nutrition Guidebook (2008), Food Guide for Marathoners, and Cyclist’s Food Guide are available at her website www.nancyclarkrd.com.

Top of Page

New! Comments