Each of us aspires to be the best possible version of ourselves, but today's social media and media are full of false ideals, and we frequently lose sight of what is important in the sea of expectations that the world has for us. Even among amateurs, sports have taken on professional characteristics, but we must remember that the joy of sports and a sense of satisfaction in participating in them should take priority above outstanding achievements and a perfectly shaped body.

Sports are a great way to build self-esteem, promote physical conditioning and demonstrate the value of teamwork, but you must understand that not all athletic stressors are positive. The pressure to win and an emphasis on body weight and shape can create a toxic combination. The pressure on athletes to achieve certain goals in the form of a medal, victory, or physical appearance can also be a contributing factor to severe mental and physical stress, so it is very important to discuss this.

A competitive sports environment emphasizes the ideal of thinness and creates pressure on athletes to build a look according to that ideal because they believe that such a body will lead to a performance worthy of a gold medal. When the pressures of sports competition are combined with the existing cultural emphasis on thinness, athletes are more likely to develop an eating disorder.

Nutrition is a crucial aspect of life, particularly for athletes, because training requires increased physical effort, requiring a higher calorie intake as well as better quality foods rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins. Taking into account that children are more demanding about nutrition in their developmental stage, higher bills should not surprise you. Nutrition is a very important part of your children’s training and success.

There is no agreement on what causes eating problems. An eating disorder is most likely caused by a combination of genetic, biochemical, psychological, family, environmental, and social variables.

The following are some of the FACTORS linked to the DEVELOPMENT OF EATING DISORDER:

What are the RISK FACTORS FOR ATHLETES to develop EATING DISORDER? 

There are no tests to prove that someone has an eating disorder, but there are several screening instruments that have been developed to identify patients with eating disorders. On the picture is a short one, named SCOFF. If you have 2 or more YES answers, this rapid test is considered sensitive and may indicate a problem with an eating disorder.

Although eating disorders are frequently classified as physical illnesses, it is vital to remember that they are caused by mental conditions. Every aspect of our living depends on our mental health.

In this article, we will talk about the most common disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulima nervosa. For athletes it is important to know that disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis are all part of the Female Athlete Triad. The lack of nourishment caused by disordered eating might result in the loss of many or more periods in a row. This, in turn, causes calcium and bone loss, putting the athlete at a far higher risk of stress fractures. Each of these conditions is a medical issue. They create serious health risks that could be fatal when combined. While any female athlete can develop the triad, adolescent females are particularly vulnerable due to active biological changes and growth spurts, peer and societal pressures, and rapidly changing life circumstances that accompany adolescence.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that makes people want to weigh less than is healthy.

People who suffer from anorexia nervosa may cover their weight or deny that they have a problem. They typically refuse treatment because they are afraid of gaining weight. However, it is critical that patients seek treatment since anorexia nervosa can cause significant illness and death.

Anorexia nervosa can lead to a variety of issues. That's because the body and brain aren't getting enough nutrition. Anorexia nervosa can lead to:

Please, do not worry, you are not alone. Every problem has a solution, you just need some time and will to fix it!

Treatment for anorexia nervosa include:

Treatment for anorexia nervosa can be hard work, and it can take a long time. Complete recovery can take years. It is very important to know that anorexia nervosa can relapse but as soon as you notice any problem, please let your doctor or family or some good friend know so you can prevent serious events.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which people have episodes of overeating (called "binges"). After overeating, people then use unhealthy behaviors to rid their bodies of the food and avoid gaining weight (called "purges").

Many people with bulimia nervosa are a normal weight for their height. Others may not realize they have an eating issue since their weight appears normal. However, because bulimia nervosa can create major difficulties, people must get treatment.

Symptoms and problems bulimia nervosa is similar one to anorexia so is treatment.

Bulimia nervosa can result in a variety of health issues. This is because people vomit too much or take many medications to prevent gaining weight.

The following are examples of health issues:

The treatment looks like one in anorexia nervosa, so I won't complicate it too much.

Most people with bulimia nervosa can be treated at home, but some need to be treated in the hospital. It depends on the person's weight, symptoms, and health problems. Treatment for bulimia nervosa can be hard work, and it can take a long time. Complete recovery can take years and just like anorexia it can relapse. So please seek help immediately.

Now, when you know more, I would like to share some tips on how to better understand these problems and help someone who has them.

Films about anorexia, bulimia and other types of eating disorders might be tough to see for some individuals, but they can also help those who are suffering. Because eating disorders affect so many people and their families, it's critical to raise public awareness so that more people are aware of the problem. Friends and family members of persons suffering from anorexia or bulimia must also offer support and assist them in finding professional care if necessary. Perhaps learning that a number of celebrities, actors, models, and singers, have overcome their own issues will encourage that eating disorders can be conquered.

LIST OF EATING DISORDER MOVIES

CELEBRITIES WHO OVERCOME EATING DISORDERS AND WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT IT

Here is the list of celebrities: 

The modern world of youth is full of mutual assessments related to appearance and beauty, and beauty criteria emphasize thinness as the greatest value. To insecure people who feel bad about their body and a seemingly innocent incidental remark or joke can be a trigger for radical changes in body appearance. They develop a panic fear of obesity. Challenges are numerous in modern society, and anxiety and loss of self-confidence in generations of young people are ubiquitous. We know that young people often have fun with jokes at the expense of someone's appearance. Sometimes it seems like an innocent, maybe sympathetic joke, and yet it can be a trigger for a radical diet in insecure young people. Not knowing how to defend yourself, you prefer to reach for a diet. Although the influence of the environment is not crucial in the development of the disorder, it should not be neglected as one of the factors in its development.

So here are tips for you, if you are struggling eating disorder or if you know someone who is, or maybe you are the lucky one and have never been in that situation, but those things you should know!

TIPS FOR COACHES

We have all been in situations when we were criticized for our appearance, whether we were too skinny, too obese, with little muscle, a huge nose, or clumsy ears, but we must remember that no one is perfect and that what we are on the inside is far more important than what we are on the surface. Above all, our health should be a priority for us, because, without it, everything else is meaningless.

Remember, if you have problems, the most important step, towards the exit, is the decision to want to get out! Be brave, all the power of this world is right in you!