Eating Disorders Are Becoming A Major Problem Today

Eating disorders are becoming a major problem today, with the pressures of society and cultural images of thinness. Males and Females are facing pressures of meeting these expectations of these of societal and cultural images. Athletes are no exception. Although participation in sports may help to improve self-esteem, the pressures of weight and image in sports can add to the cultural and societal pressures that already exist causing eating disorders in Athletes. Defining Eating Disorders In order to discuss athletes and eating disorders, one must first understand what eating disorders are. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders are described as, â€Å"an illness that causes serious disturbances to your everyday diet, such as eating extremely small amounts of food or severely overeating,† (Eating Disorders 2011). They also add, â€Å"A person with an eating disorder may have started out just eating smaller or larger amounts of food, but at some point, the urge to eat less or more spiraled out of control,† (Eating Disorders 2011). There are many different types of eating disorders and factors that lead to them. Bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and binge-eating are some common types of eating disorders (Eating Disorders 2011). These disorders can be caused by cultural expectations, societal pressures, coaching and sport expectations, fear of gaining weight, body shape, etc. Eating disorders effect both men and women and can have s erious, life-threateningShow MoreRelated Eating Disorders Essay1087 Words   |  5 Pages Eating Disorders   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most prevalent disorders amongst the youth of this era is eating disorders. While some overlook it and don’t think it is a problem eating disorders should be given serious consideration. 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