Melissa Streno: We’re seeing disordered behaviors and fully clinically diagnosed eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, as a whole really on the rise with males. N.E.D.A., which is the National Eating Disorders Association, does a great job of keeping really updated statistics on what we’re seeing, and we know that, through them, males really represent 25 percent, so almost a quarter of all individuals who struggle with anorexia. When we think about bulimia, the prevalence rate for males is between point one to point five percent, and then between point nine and two percent for binge eating disorder. And it’s important to note that this is for those disorders that are fully diagnosed, so they clinically meet criteria. But there are many more even then we even see in those numbers.
Fortunately, more people are talking about males and eating disorders using social media, sport, any platforms really to acknowledge and convey personal struggles, and really which offers resources, support, where they can reach out when they’re feeling really alone, and I think it’s propelling more people to do so. And this is for male athletes in all levels of competition and development, really helping them to come forward, seek support. We really know that eating disorders thrive on secrecy and isolation, so this is a really big step to know that more conversations are being held, awareness is growing, in order to catch these a little bit sooner. When I say ‘these’, I mean catching sort of alarming patterns or warning signs or symptoms that we might see.
When it comes to males disclosing their struggles or asking for help, the stigma about this occurring with men can also make it a little more difficult for them to come forward. And I think that’s because it’s being talked about more, it’s decreasing a little bit.
With men, in particular, we see a higher prevalence rate in weight class sports, so this would be something like wrestling, weightlifting, and then also esthetic sports, so where there’s a focus on appearance, body building, swimming. Uniforms can also really affect that based on the appearance component and what is encouraged within that sport.
I think another risk factor, and something that’s really influential with males and their experience of struggling with or feeling challenged by eating disorders is the pressure from media, social media, peer groups, comparison, competition within their team, that are really focused on the quote, “ideal athlete.” This really can put them at a higher risk. We see male athletes report higher levels of stress, as well, when it comes to body image. I think, specifically, when we think about males and stress around body image, I think of muscle dysmorphia. Muscle dysmorphia is a psychological disorder that’s really centered around body image and that very specific, intentional drive for muscularity or building muscle, really striving to look a particular way that’s focused around muscle. So, we see a real preoccupation with that, and then this is also where the use of steroids or supplements or other things can come in and play a role. And of course, when we think about eating disorders or disordered behaviors have a really negative effect, too.
I think, first and foremost, helping the young athletes find positive role models; athletes, anyone influential within their friend or family group, school, clubs, etc., are really to use as examples of being kind, being accepting of who they are, not in comparison to others or what they’ve seen or heard they should be. I think it’s really helpful to kind of shift the athlete’s mentality to focus on their unique bodies and their minds, and really encourage them to consider what they’re able to do and what they enjoy doing, versus what they see around them being pressured to do or what they’re being encouraged to do.
I think too, as a parent or a coach or really any support person, being aware of how you talk about yourself, your body, what you eat, exercise patterns, really anything that brings focus to your physical appearance and to your body, being aware of, not only, how you’re saying that, the emotion behind it, like how you’re conveying it, how important it is to you, because young athletes really pick up on everything and it’s important to be aware of what you’re communicating, what you’re encouraging. One more piece of language is being aware of some of the words that we pick up on from influences from teen participation or from coaches, from the media, in terms of what the standard is or what the expectation is, and really helping to not use that language or to really reframe that language or think about how this might be detrimental to the young athlete if it’s something that they’re hearing on repeat that just is unrealistic or unattainable, or, most importantly, really unsafe or unhealthy.
A useful practice is being confident that when you do recognize something that feels concerning, so any sort of warning sign or behavior that just seems out of the norm, or that might lead you to think that something is going on when it comes to this young athlete’s relationship with food or exercise, is to be really open and honest with that person about your concerns and ask questions. So, instead of shaming or telling them what they’re doing is wrong, being really curious with them and really supporting them to engage in a conversation with you, so that they feel like, when they’re ready, they can ask for support. Obviously, at all, if you feel like somebody’s past the point of being able to make that decision on their own or there’s just significant denial or resistance, and there’s concerns, reach out to a professional if you suspect anything. And really know that you, also, as a parent, coach, person of support, have a support system yourself. And it’s always better to err on that side of caution.
TrueSport Expert and licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Melissa Streno, discusses male eating disorders, offering parents and coaches insight on how to identify the risk factors and help young males overcome the stigma and issues centered around body image.
Learn more about Dr. Melissa Streno.
Hi. I’m Trevon, Trey, Jennifer. Team USA wheelchair basketball player, paralympian, and true sport athlete. Today, I want to talk to you about goal setting. And there are three things that I would like you to know. First, successful athletes set goals and a planned roadmap. Second, goals should be written down, assessed over time, and changed if necessary. And third, goals need to be challenging in order to be worthwhile. As a freshmen at Edinboro University, I was a part of a team that made the national championship game. And at that time I recognized I was the low man on the totem pole, but I felt in my heart that I knew my dreams were so much bigger than winning a national title. I wanted to make Team USA. I knew what achieving my lofty goal was not going to be easy and that I would need to work hard every day.
So, as a reminder, I created a pyramid of goals that I kept right above my bed. This pyramid reminded me of the accomplishments that I was working towards and visually represented my need to create a solid foundation underneath me before reaching the top. In the bottom roll of my pyramid of goals I listed goals such as obtaining my bachelor’s degree, becoming a scholar athlete award recipient, and becoming an All-American. The middle row listed winning a national title and playing for a professional team. And at the top row, the most challenging of them all, I listed becoming a gold medalist for Team USA.
By understanding that there are smaller stepping stones to achieving my ultimate goal of being on Team USA, I was able to stay motivated and to stay focused on completing the smaller stepping stones fully before moving onto the next one. Now I’ll be the first to admit that not every goal that I listed on my pyramid was accomplished, but seeing my goals every day when I went to bed, I was able to push through the days that I felt like doing nothing in hopes of achieving the bigger picture. Remember, create a clear goal roadmap, assess your goals often, and continue to challenge yourself. I hope that you never stopped dreaming big or reaching for the stars. And I look forward to seeing where your roadmap takes you.
Hi, I’m Kara Winger, Olympic javelin thrower, and true sport athlete. Today I want to talk to you about body image and I have three things I’d like you to know. First, healthy thoughts often lead to healthier bodies. Second, there are varying body types and no one’s body is exactly like another. And third, true beauty goes deeper than the skin. As a multi-time Olympian, I’ve experienced a lot of variation and progression in my training. My coaches and I adapt to my training frequently, all with the goal of supporting my long-term success and health in the sport of javelin. I’m talking to you about body image today because sometimes even with the best of intentions and a common goal in mind, the changes you make to your training habits can prove to be detrimental if made for the wrong reasons. In the lead up to the 2012 Olympic trials, I was told in order to improve my performance on the field, I should try to become a leaner, skinnier version of myself.
So I changed my diet. I went along with what I was being told to do, even though I’d had great success at a slightly heavier weight and higher body fat percentage, and became much leaner than ever before. It seemed like a successful change at first, but I didn’t have nearly the results I’d had before. And I believe becoming leaner than my body naturally wanted to be was what caused my ACL to tear. In the end, it cost me heavily going into the 2012 London games. The takeaway for me, and hopefully for you, is that it’s important to know what works for you and your body and to not compare yourself to others. You should do your research and experiment with your diet to find what makes you feel the best, rather than focusing on what you look like. Today, if I feel like having a chocolate chip cookie, I have one, just not every day.
I’ve learned what a properly balanced meal for my body looks like and I recognize food as the fuel that keeps me throwing. I hydrate and allow myself time to recover. And I listen to and communicate with my body so that I can be the best version of myself. In the end, you are in control of how you see, treat, and respond to your body. We only get one and it’s amazing to discover how many things our bodies can do. Be a true sport athlete. Love who you are in this moment and get excited for all the places your body will take you.
Hi, I’m Izy Isaksen, Team USA, Modern Pentathlon, Olympian, US Army Sergeant, and True Sport Ambassador. Today, I want to talk to you about being a good sport. There are three things I’d like you to know. First, real winners act the same toward their opponent, whether they win or lose. Second, follow the rules and be a gracious winner and respectful loser. And third, sportsmanship reveals your true character.
I started competing in Modern Pentathlon eight years after my older sister and three-time Olympian, Margaux Isaksen, began competing. I soon realized that people often compared the two of us. I would overhear spectators and teammates asking, “Who’s the better athlete,” and “Who’s going to beat the other.” Instead of letting outside pressures create a negative experience for us, I chose to practice winning and losing with grace and respect. I know that it would have been easy to let our hyper competitive mindset affect our relationship, but instead we decided to support and cheer for each other, regardless of our own performance. My experience of competing against and being compared to my older sister, taught me to focus on how to perform at my best, rather than putting wasted energy into wishing for others to fail.
I believe that sportsmanship reveals true character. So, no matter what situation I encounter during competition, I know it’s important to always treat people with respect and be a good sport. Remember, be a fierce competitor, find grace in all your victories and losses. And I hope to see you out there.
Edwin Moses: You’re a coach. Maybe what you want is very simple, for everyone to just run in the right direction, score for their own team, to try and try again and again. Maybe you want your athletes to become all stars. You want them to earn trophies, medals, win titles. You want them to reach the highest height their sport allows. And wanting all of that, of course, that’s good. But as every great coach discovers, developing a great athlete means nurturing, nurturing the even greater person within. Truth is, you have even more influence than you know.
You have the ability to affect even deeper change, to take what’s in your hands and do something even more extraordinary. You can be both the coach who provides the skills needed to win the game and the coach who helps them learn and succeed beyond the sport, to become all stars wherever they land in the future, and to enjoy their lives more now, because the confidence and courage they find working with you will stay with them when they need it the most. There are games to be won, lives to change. Coaches have the power to do both.
I’m Edwin Moses, and the lessons I’ve learned through sport have challenged me, guided me, and shaped my life forever. What kind of coach do you want to be?
At first glance, dietary supplements look the same. They seem safe and healthy, but just because the label says a product is a dietary supplement, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Unfortunately, you can’t tell whether a product is safe or not just by looking at the label. Most vitamins, minerals, fish oil, and other supplements containing nutrients are probably just fine, but supplements are not evaluated or approved by FDA before they are sold. Although it is rare for vitamins or minerals to be contaminated with drugs, there has been at least one case of a vitamin containing an anabolic steroid.
At the other extreme are products that contain drugs, stimulants, anabolic steroids, or other hormones. Even though these are not technically dietary supplements, many of them are labeled as supplements. For example, body-building products sometimes contain anabolic steroids or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, known as SARMs, or other hormones. Some pre-workout or energy products contain illegal stimulants like DMAA, ephedra, or other amphetamine-like stimulants. Weight loss products might contain prescription drugs like sibutramine, or hormones, like human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as hCG. All natural or herbal sexual enhancement products might contain hormones or Viagra-like drugs. Products like these can harm your health and career, but they’re for sale online, in some nutrition stores, and they’re labeled as dietary supplements.
When you pick up a supplement, especially one that promises performance enhancement, you don’t know if it belongs in the “Mostly O.K.” pile or in the “Dangerous” pile. After all, two products might look the same, but one might contain just amino acids and other legitimate ingredients, while the other also contains anabolic steroids. Because of this, FDA has issued a warning about certain categories of supplements: body building products, weight loss products, and sexual enhancement products. Be extremely careful when considering a supplement in one of these categories. We strongly recommend that you avoid products in these categories.
Even when FDA tests supplements and finds dangerous ingredients, companies sometimes refuse to recall them. Sometimes, they simply repackage their product and continue selling it under a new name. Just because a product is on a store shelf doesn’t mean it is safe. You need to do your research and be an informed consumer. The dietary supplement industry is enormous. Supplements that appear to be safe could actually be dangerous products in disguise. If you use dietary supplements without doing your research, you may be taking serious risks with your health and your career. Please visit USADA’s Supplement 411 for more information about dietary supplements.
