News & Studies

Eating disorders affect an estimated 13 to 42% of athletes, depending on sport and gender. The number of reported cases appear to be on the rise as a result of increased public awareness and a greater willingness of athletes to seek treatment.

A new government study reports that more than half a million teens have had an eating disorder, most commonly in the form of binge eating disorder and bulimia, and that a majority seek no specific treatment for their eating or weight problems.

College cheerleaders are at high risk for body image issues and eating disorders - and may be affected by how revealing their uniforms are, according to a study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine's 57th Annual Meeting in Baltimore.

Most people know that eating disorders can be life-threatening.  What most people don't know is that eating disorders cause more deaths annually than all other mental and emotional health conditions combined.  That's why the Chicago-based Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center and the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) have designated the week of February 21 to 27, 2010 as National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. 

Parents, coaches and trainers should criticize athletes less, praise them more, reduce pressure to win and on appearance  to reduce risk of eating disorders.