Disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (EDs) are more prevalent in athletes than non-athletes, and can cause devastating health and performance consequences. Although they can affect any athlete, DE/EDs are more common among women and athletes in lean sports, where there is a perceived competitive advantage to being lean. The sports medicine provider plays a crucial role in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of DE/ED. Treatment should involve a multidisciplinary team with a physician, dietitian, and mental health provider. Preventative efforts should seek to educate athletes and their coaches/support staff and should foster a healthy environment, which deemphasizes weight or body image. Key points • Athletes are at an increased risk for eating disorders (EDs) or disordered eating (DE) when compared with nonathletes. • Female athletes and athletes in lean sports are at an increased risk for developing ED or DE. • EDs are associated with wide-ranging and severe medical complications and impaired performance in athletes. • Early identification and treatment improve outcomes, so physicians should screen for DE/ED annually at the preparticipation physical evaluation, and whenever athletes present with.
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