Anorexia and Bulimia

Anorexia is the loss of appetite characterized by a pursuit of thinness. The afflicted person look emaciated and eat little or nothing. They sometimes wear bulky clothes to hide thinness, and they may complain of being cold.

Bulimic behavior is more subtle. Look for bloodshot eyes, swollen glands, and bruised fingers (from inducing vomiting). The athlete may eat a hearty meal, then rush to the bathroom; you may hear water running to disguise the sound of vomiting. The bulimic person may also hide laxatives and display other secretive behaviors.

If you think that an athlete is struggling with eating disorders, SPEAK UP! Anorexia and bulimia are self-destructive eating behaviors that can be life-threatening. Here are some tips for dealing with these problems.

• Approach these athletes gently but persistently, indicatining that you are concerned about their health and believe they have a problem with food. Bulimics will generally open up with this apporach; anorexics may try to deny any problem. Point our how anxious, tired, and/or irritable the athlete has been lately. Emphasize that these conditions may be reversed.

• Don't discuss body weight or eating habits. Remember that the starving and/or binge eating is not the most important issue. Rather, the eating disorder is a symptom of more fundamental problems with life.

• Be supportive and listen sympathetically, but don't expect the athlete to confide in you right away. Reinforce your concern frequently and stress your belief in the athlete's ability to resolve the problem.

• Give a written list of local resources for professional help. Post this list (with tear off phone numbers at the bottom) in the locker room, bathrooms, and dining halls.

• Don't deal with the athletes' eating disorders yourself. Seek help from trusted members of the athletes' families or medical and mental health professionals. A medical team consisting of a registered dietitian, counselor, and physician is optimal for treating eating disorders.

Reprinted from Gatorade Sports Science Institute www.gssiweb.com