Since sports can sometimes lend themselves to eating
disorders, coaches and sports administrators must get involved in the
detection and treatment of this proble . While no reliable studies or
statistics exist on the incidence of anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia
among athletes, some research suggests that such disorders occur
frequently among children and young adults in activities like
gymnastics, figure skating, middle and long distance running,
swimming and diving, rowing, and wrestling. One study demonstrated
that the sport itself can be a factor in either precipitating or
preventing pathogenic weight control. Sports which emphasize
endurance, aesthetics, and weight levels featured the highest number
of athletes at risk for developing an eating disorder. A recent
survey by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
revealed that eating disorders have become a significant health
problem among college athletes, with 93 percent of the reported
problems involving women's sports. Another predicament arises from
the medical community's constant warnings against over eating while
doctors virtually ignore the health risks presented by underweight
individuals. The study examines the treatment problems commonly
encountered with athletes and argue' for more stringent guidelines in
the sports community so as to monitor and assist those at risk for
developing eating disorders. Contains 19 references. (RJM)