Disordered eating can start as early as the age of 5 or as late as 60, but it is most common during the teen years and 20's. It can last months or years. There are many different reasons for them. Social pressures to be thin, low self-esteem, depression, family dysfunction, physical or sexual abuse, and biological factors are all possible causes. Other factors for athletes include the drive for excellence and pressure from coaches, parents, and others to be thin to meet sport goals.
Athletes often view disordered eating practices as acceptable and deny that they are a problem.
They do not see that they are hurting their athletic abilities. The body gets zapped of its energy leading to poor performance and medical problems. These serious and sometimes fatal disorders are often successfully hidden from family, friends, coaches, and teachers for long periods of time, and in some cases, years. It is important that they be recognized and dealt with as quickly as possible. Those close to female athletes should know the signs and symptoms of eating disorders.