Young athletes need sufficient energy to support the demands of their growth in addition to meet the energetic requirements of regular training. The rate of disordered eating & eating disorders is much higher in athletes compared to non-athletes.

Eating behaviours can be described along a continuum with optimal dietary intake at one end of the spectrum & full blown eating disorders at the other end. Eating disorders are a set of psychiatric disorders that include distorted body image accompanied by substantial nutritional & medical complications. Disordered eating deviates from optimal dietary intake & includes a variety of behaviours that often lead to insufficient energy intake.

Examples of disordered eating include:

• restricted calorie intake
• avoidance of specific macronutrients (e.g. carbohydrate, protein, fat)
• food aversion
• pathogenic weight control strategies such as laxative or diet pill use
• self-induced vomiting
• excessive exercise

The responsibility of prevention sits with many. Since eating habits are developed in early childhood, parents & guardians play a vital role in modelling & implementing healthy & positive eating practices.

** NOTE: Specific micronutrients that are important for the female athlete include calcium & iron. **