ABSTRACT
Chapter 16 reflects on disordered eating in athletes. Athletes face body pressures unique to each sport, and they are judged on their bodies in addition to their performance. Athletes face the same medical risks from eating disorders as non-athletes, but in addition they may have unique challenges such as stress fractures from high impact sports or electrolyte abnormalities related to endurance sports. Athletes of all genders bear the risk of low energy availability, meaning too few calories consumed relative to energy output. Sports traditionally associated with leanness increase the risk of disordered eating. While those in refereed as opposed to judged sports should fare better with regards to body scrutiny, all athletes are at risk of eating disorders. Sports with weight classes may increase risk of disordered eating behaviors as athletes seek to cut weight. The concept of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) has replaced the Female Athlete Triad in describing consequences of inadequate caloric intake in athletes, because it encompasses all organ systems, emotional and physical health, and all genders. This chapter considers return to play and competition criteria as well.
