RUNNERS and Eating Disorders

I have an opinion about everything--but maybe not this. Who would keep such statistics? Would you believe the statistics anyway? I wouldn't.

I definitely wouldn't generalize that "all runners have eating issues" because that's certainly not the case, but I think it would be safe to say that being a long distance runner puts you at a greater risk than the non-athlete for developing disordered eating because of the importance of low body fat and the body type that is considered most desirable for the sport.

I read somewhere when I was researching amnehorea (absense of menses in women) that most female, elite runners live on about 1200 calories a day once the calorie expenditure from training was subtracted from total calorie intake. That's not much, not considered sufficent from a medical stand point. And it seems very few women reach the top level of the sport without having to go on birth control to stimulate their menses- so in a way many women are definietly out there too skinny, not eating enough, but it's practically unavoidable if a female wants to be competitive.

Sorry to bombard all you MEN with this woman-talk. Just my 2 cents.

Well, it certainly seems like females have more eating disorders among runners. I think--again--that this stems from over competing, too much stress, etc. that high schools place on young runners. Not really giving them a serious chance to grow into the sport. There are athletic scholarships to be won and what have you. There is no emphasis in schools for females to become anything but career minded. Teenage preganancy is at a 40 year low last time I heard. Teenage preganancy is looked upon with scorn in rural communities. Nothing but hype in education to be more professional and career goal orientated and extreme push for females to stay ahead of males in college enrollment, etc.. I would probably have a severe eating disorder, too, if I were female. Such eating disorders, mind you, are nervous system malfunctionings, if you will. So, many of the macho male types thinking such could not affect them--about the opposite is true. An eating disorder for females amounts to an equivalent of a macho disorder for males--and I am mucho macho if I must say so myself!

I don't know why I bother but, why is it that you think teenage pregnancy is a good thing?! The reality is it's about the quickest route to a terrible, unsucessful life for any girl. I suspect you're just trying to get a rise out of people... as usual.

[quote]runnergrl wrote:

And it seems very few women reach the top level of the sport without having to go on birth control to stimulate their menses- so in a way many women are definietly out there too skinny, not eating enough, but it's practically unavoidable if a female wants to be competitive.

quote]

By the way, runnergrl, what is a menses-? Please give me a biblical equivalent which you will find here:

http://www.landoverbaptist.org/news1202/biblewords.html

I think the word you want is uncleanliness.

And indeed I do think females should start having children in their teen years. They are bilogically designed to do so. If you hate nature, which is all around you, then why don't you crawl up into a ball and die. It is your anal-retentive type that is the problem in this world. You want to feed third world nations but you don't want to have any children yourself.

Now I grant you that not all parts of the bible apply to day--but some parts do. Particuarly I Timothy 2:9-15--just read the entire chapter of I Timothy chapter 2 and pay particuarly close attention to the last verse. As a Baptist I retain my right to disregard any verses in the bible that no longer apply. And no one can stop me!

Ok Bimbo--you can respond back to me--I permit you.

actually all verses still apply catman. you need to learn your bible.

Nay. Being a christian and filled completely with the holy ghost, I can decide for myself which verses are applicable or not. You are not saved by the holy spirit--obviously. Click on the link below to find out what I think of you:

I am a complete dork and a moron, but I still love Jesus.

I never really worried about eating when I was in high school but now a 5th year post colligiate still competing I think disordered eating is very common with runners. I find for myself that I stay away from as much junk as possible but then when I get down or feel crappy about running I tend to binge sometimes to the point where I'll do it for a few days and then I feel so disgusting that my runnning is effected. I wish I didn't worry about it so much its hard. I now realize what paul mcmullen was going through. I'm 5'10 137 fit but can easily gain 10-15 lbs instantly if i'm not careful

guest

I've had plenty of food issues too... my weight vacillated pretty drastically when I was in high school. Now my eatings under control, but I've gotten bit too strict and keep wanting to weigh a little less... losing a lb or two and still wanting to lose more. Probably a little too thin at this point. I've been told it's not terribly attractive.

I know what you mean runnergrl...I really hate when my non running friends comment on my weight, but I just try to ignore it, I usually date runner guys so they are more understanding and my close friends have learned that this is just what size I am. I hope you have supportive people around. On topic a bit more, I think that runners(not all of course) do have a tendency to be very cautious about what they eat. It can lead to a disorder so that is why the people they are close to need to make sure they aren't spiraling out of control with it.

Christians should not be calling people names.

Remember Catman you were not born Saved!

Remember when you were a sinner he loved you.

Jesus was about love and compassion, indeed he was

serious about doing the fathers will, which was to seek

and save the lost...not to condemn.

The Roc

Catman,

How very typical of a Xian to just decide what parts of the Bible go and what does not according to what suits your agenda. To me its just an admission that the Bible as a whole is just an encylopedia of half truths, fairy tales, and utter complete bullsh*t.

As for eating problems, they don't just apply to women. I succumbed to the thought that skinnier is better and I went so far as to chew tobacco so I would not be hungry to lose weight, and my running suffered. I find it is important to remain lean and keep a reasonable level of muscle tone. Muscle does you more good than just bones.