Restricting food intake can results in fatigue, dizziness, muscle wasting, stress fractures, depleted food stores, weakness and fainting. Initially competitive performance may be unaffected but ultimately the athlete's performance and health will significantly decline. Because of the addictive nature of eating disorders, even though their performance may be suffering, many eating disordered athletes find it difficult to stop their disordered eating. The Triad refers to disordered eating, loss of menses and osteoporosis. The resulting medical complications are often permanent and irreversible.
Bone loss starts as soon as six months from loss of menstruation.
A study found that anorexics were seven times as likely to develop stress fractures as a result of their bone density loss. This not only has immediate consequences on their performance but also long term consequences such as chronic joint problems and increased risk of fractures for the rest of their lives. Coaches, parents, teammates and friends need to be alert to the early signs of eating disorders among athletes. Often, the eating disorder is well concealed, and the symptoms are misinterpreted as athletic burn out. Because of the unique situation and influence of coaches, athletic trainers and teammates, they can help prevent eating disorders among athletes.