Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, the topic of eating disorders in athletes presents a critical concern.

As an athlete, these disorders can greatly hinder performance and potentially end a career prematurely. From a coach or parent's perspective, helping an athlete manage such a condition is of paramount importance.

Understanding eating disorders and their impact on performance is a vital step in creating a healthier athletic community and a strong recovery. No one knows this better than Dr. Katherine Hill, a board-certified pediatrician and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Equip Health. She's also a former collegiate swimmer who has conducted extensive research on eating disorders in athletes. 

Listen in as Dr. Hill shares her personal experience and professional knowledge to guide us through the ins and outs of eating disorders in athletes, and explore the best ways to both help and prevent eating disorders in sports. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

SHOW NOTES -   Demystifying Eating Disorders in Athletes with Dr. Katherine Hill 

CONNECT WITH JD OUELLETTE & KINSEY DALBEC

• Dr. Hill on Twitter

CONNECT WITH EQUIP

CONNECT WITH RECOVERY WARRIORS 🖤

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:00 - Introduction, 
Introduction to the podcast episode and the guest, Dr. Katherine Hill, who is a board certified pediatrician and eating disorder physician.

00:01:39 - Risk of Eating Disorders in Athletes, 
Dr. Hill discusses how athletes, including swimmers, are at risk for eating disorders, even if they do not fit the traditional stereotype of thin, young, white women. The risk is higher in sports with caloric deficits and endurance sports.

00:06:16 - Unintentional Caloric Deficit and Medical Consequences, 
Dr. Hill explains that athletes who unintentionally fall into a caloric deficit due to their sport can experience medical consequences such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and gastrointestinal issues.

00:08:19 - Shifting Stigma and Acceptance of Eating Disorders, 
Dr. Hill emphasizes the importance of shifting the stigma surrounding eating disorders and recognizing them as medical conditions. She compares it to seeking treatment for other medical conditions like cancer.

00:09:49 - Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Athletes, 
Dr. Hill mentions that eating disorders can affect athletes in any sport, not just those traditionally associated with eating disorders. She also notes that some sports can be protective against eating disorders if the right environment and values are instilled.

00:14:33 - Fueling Your Body for Performance, 
Dr. Katherine Hill discusses the importance of fueling your body properly as an athlete and how it can impact performance. She emphasizes that looking a certain way doesn't determine athletic ability.

00:15:51 - The Impact of Nutrition on Menstrual Cycles, 
Dr. Hill mentions a study conducted with the women's crew team in New Zealand where irregular menstrual cycles were linked to an energy deficient state caused by inadequate nutrition. By restoring energy balance, their menstrual cycles returned and performance improved.

00:16:45 - Treating Eating Disorders as Sports Injuries, 
Dr. Hill compares treating eating disorders to treating sports injuries. Just as athletes may need to pause their sport for recovery, individuals with eating disorders may need to pause for treatment. However, with proper treatment, most athletes can return to their sport.

00:18:21 - Returning to Sport after an Eating Disorder, 
Dr. Hill discusses the balanced approach to returning to activity after an eating disorder, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and moderate exercise. It's important to watch for signs of compulsive exercise and ensure activity is a positive influence in recovery.

00:23:19 - Recognizing Signs of Struggling Athletes, 
Dr. Hill highlights signs that an athlete may be struggling with disordered eating, such as cutting out food groups or excessive exercise. She encourages teammates and friends to approach the individual privately and offer support, potentially involving coaches or families for further help.