AP21817

Eating disorders and depression in athletes: Does one lead to the other?

Having high self esteem, a great amount of confidence, and good health are all things that factor in to an athlete playing sports. It is important for an athlete to be passionate about their particular sport in order for them to feel good about their performance. You would think that an athlete would be one of the last types of people that would be depressed or have an eating disorder, correct? On the contrary, athletes are considered three times more likely to develop an eating disorder and there is strong empirical evidence linking eating disorders and depression (Taylor & Francis). If you are not an athlete or do not understand what kind of pressures an athlete may face during the course of their career, it would be hard for someone to put themselves in an athlete's shoes. Athletes face many stressful factors such as: pressure to train, perform well, financial hardship, as well as maintaining a balance with other aspects of their life such as study, family and friends (Taylor & Francis). There were 122 British athletes that were studied and tested on by logging their eating habits, weight, and diet history. Six months later, their BMI (Body Mass Index) was recorded, and the readings of the results were linked to depressive tendencies. Low self-esteem, failure to meet exacting physical standards, regimented eating and constant negative sport related pressure all add to the mix (Taylor & Francis). The way athletes eat and train can sometimes be dangerous, and the athletes need to become more aware of what damage they are doing to themselves. I, myself, am an athlete and I too need to eat right and train better and more effectively to avoid an eating disorder and/or depression.

References: Taylor & Francis. "Eating disorders and depression in athletes: Does one lead to the other?." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 15 July 2014. . http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140715085053.htm

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