Red Flags & Nutrition Red Flags & Nutrition Red Flags & Nutrition

By Julianne Pondelli, RM, RFS

Research shows that adolescent athletes are twice as likely to develop eating disorders than non-athletes. For athletes to achieve high levels of success, they most likely have a natural competitive nature and strong discipline. This desire for perfection can increase the likelihood of underfueling. For those adolescent athletes in an aesthetic sport, where they are being judged on appearance and performance, the risk of disordered eating is even greater. Knowing the warning signs can help coaches to intervene in a timely manner. Addressing disordered eating patterns early can prevent a full eating disorder from developing. This will also increase the likelihood of full recovery.

There are both emotional and physical signs that there may be patterns of restriction, disordered eating, or high risk behaviors around food.

Emotional

Preoccupation and increased concern with weight, weight loss, diets, calories, and exercise:

Constantly talking about food and weight can signal that there may be an issue developing. Focusing too intently on numbers such as calories or what the scale says start out innocent enough but can easily spiral into an obsession. Counting calories and incessant weigh-ins can be cause for concern, as well as the need to exercise to ‘burn off” calories.

Food restrictions:

Restricting foods may be disguised as becoming vegetarian, vegan or gluten free. These diets are fine to follow as long as the goal is not calorie restriction. If your athlete tells you they are following a new diet, inquire about the reasoning behind it. For example, a gluten free diet is only necessary for a diagnosis of celiac disease. Research does not support the testimonials of weight loss and increased energy of removing gluten from the diet. Since gluten is a protein found in wheat, being gluten free will limit whole grains and carbohydrates in the diet which are a main source of energy.

Skipping meals:

Intermittent fasting is a huge trend at the moment, however there is very little scientific evidence to support the claims and skipping meals can actually have detrimental effects. Studies have proven that athletes’ performance significantly decreases when fasting. Going too long without eating can cause a dip in blood sugar. This may leave you feeling anxious and moody due to a release in cortisol (the stress hormone). Common meals that are skipped are breakfast, or only having coffee for breakfast or lunch. Not eating throughout the day can cause a binge at dinner which may perpetuate more restriction the next day starting a vicious cycle.

Hormonal imbalances:

Mood disorders are oftentimes a comorbidity of an eating disorder. Anxiety and mood swings can accompany food restriction due to low blood sugar levels and the release of cortisol.

Rituals:

This includes cutting or tearing foods into small pieces, pushing food around the plate, organizing or separating food on the plate. Rituals can also be only allowing oneself a certain amount of a given food (ie. one bite of a dessert or five M&M’s).

Uncomfortable eating in social situations:

Avoiding going out with friends or other social activities because food is involved. Not eating in these situations and offering excuses of fullness or eating prior to going out. Increased concern with body size and shape: Preoccupation with weight, clothes size, and body image which may be distorted. Being highly critical of one’s body or never feeling thin enough are huge risk factors.

Physical

Weight fluctuations:

Noticeable weight changes either up or down. Drastic weight loss can be hidden by wearing layers of clothes or clothes that are too big. Drastic weight gain can accompany binge eating or bulimia.

Stomach cramps:

Over long periods of restriction, the GI tract can weaken. This causes a condition called gastroparesis, which is when digestion is much slower and may even stop all together causing bloating, abdominal pain, constipation and vomiting.

Feeling cold:

Not getting enough calories, being underweight and nutritional deficiencies can all cause an increased feeling of being cold. Low caloric intake makes it impossible to supply the body with the nutrients it needs. The body will prioritize energy needed for brain and organ function rather than keeping the body warm. Fat loss around the eyes, biceps/triceps and ribs are markers for malnutrition.

Fatigue/ Muscle weakness:

The body needs energy for its main physiological functions, and if the athlete is not eating enough for the amount of energy they expended while training, the result will be fatigue and weakness. Muscle degeneration noted in the temples, clavicle, scapula, quad, and calf regions are physical signs of malnutrition.

Dry skin/hair thin:

Dry and gray complexion as well as fragile, dry and thinning hair both occur when calories and protein are low. Hair is made out of a protein, keratin that is spared if the body needs the protein for energy.

Dental issues:

Constant selfinduced vomiting may cause a variety of physical signs such as discoloration of teeth, enamel erosion and cavities. Calluses on fingers is another sign of self- induced vomiting.

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A large number of adolescent athletes engage in disordered eating and restrictive behaviors; however, a smaller percentage have symptoms that lead to formal diagnoses. Disordered eating patterns or chronic dieting are subclinical symptoms of an eating disorder. These issues are important to address early on to prevent progression to a full blown eating disorder treatment that may stop their skating career or even threaten their life.

Julianne Pondelli MS, RD, LDN is a Professional Figure Skating Coach and Registered Dietitian in the Boston area. She holds a PSA Registered Rating in MITF and FS and is an AFAA Certified Athletic Trainer. She is the Head Coach of Northeastern University’s Collegiate Figure Skating Club and coaches at many clubs in the Boston Area. Instagram: @skaternutrition “For example, a gluten free diet is only necessary for a diagnosis of celiac disease. Research does not support the testimonials of weight loss and increased energy of removing gluten from the diet.”