Anorexic Athlete? at 17:52

A while ago I posted on steroid use, which sparked comments on the exact opposite- anorexia.  There are some sports such as gymnastics and ice skating, which require a slender and lean body as well as a weight restriction.   This can add extra stress to the athletes, forcing them to find alternatives ways to stay within their weight restraints besides working out.  Many turn to anorexia or bulimia; two life threatening diseases, not only to athletes, but to every individual. 

Kristie Henrich- Olympic Gymmast died at age 22
from multiple organ failure caused by anorexia. 

Athletes who suffer from anorexia or bulimia are putting themselves more at risk than an every day individual. Due to the high intensity of their workouts and the strain they put on their bodies, athletes can develop  the symptoms at an early stage and more severe, and are susceptible to sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is spurred by abnormal heart rhythms caused by the eating disorder, which become more frequent with the increasing heart rate.  Also, since osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass) and sleep disorders are also side effects, the strain the athlete endures can lead to fractures/breaks in the bone or high chances of tearing muscles.  Other side effects are malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and amenorrhea. 

Eating disorders are becoming more popular in athletes and also in every day life.  The people who suffer them can experience life long consequences and can even result in fatality. If you do know some who shows signs of excessive weight loss or obsesses over food intake, help them out by pointing them in the right direction.  There are multiple hotlines or websites to help.  The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders  is a popular and established hotline.