Factors That May Lead to an Eating Disorder
low self-esteem, inadequacy, anxiety
definition of self in terms of appearance
being overweight
feeling helpless and in need of having control
difficulty in managing emotions
social anxiety and lack of social skills
genetic predisposition (family history)
pressure in sports
Pressure in Sports
While school sports and other athletic endeavors can benefit students in many
ways, sports in which size, speed, and weight are paramount can be a set-up
for disordered eating. Well-meaning parents and coaches who place undue pressure
on teens can exacerbate the problem.
Well-meaning parents and coaches can exacerbate the
problem.
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Sports that present the highest risk for developing eating disorders include:
gymnastics
distance running
figure skating
ballet
wrestling
jockeying
rowing
cross-country skiing
diving
swimming
Here, gender makes a big difference. Male athletes often do not experience
the same emotional bondage many females do. A girl's identity and self-worth
can become closely tied to her success at shedding pounds.
For boys, a certain weight may be just a goal to meet in order to do well athletically.
But even if most boys don't get psychologically addicted to losing weight the
way girls do, they still need to be careful not to do permanent harm to their
bodies thorough unhealthy dieting. And it's worth noting that boys are not immune
to developing an eating disorder. About one out of every 10 individuals with
an eating disorder is male.
If your son or daughter chooses to participate in these "risk sports," do
all you can to help him or her maintain a healthy lifestyle. If your own competitive
edge keeps you from being objective in the matter, help your teen to develop
an accountability relationship with a school counselor, youth leader or school
nurse who can give feedback regarding his or her health.
No matter what risk factors apply to your teen, whether they be pressure from
sports or from other areas of life, be alert (not paranoid, but aware) and take steps now that may prevent the development of an eating disorder.
From Focus on the Family's Youth Culture department.
Copyright © 2000, 2002 Focus On the Family.
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