June 2004

Previous issues

Each month we offer a new article by Kitty Consolo, Ph.D.   Kitty is a veteran runner and exercise physiologist.  She has been running and racing since 1975, and has won over 400 road races ranging from the mile to the marathon and went to the first women's Olympic marathon trails in 1984. Kitty has a PR of 2:42.46 for the marathon and 35:02 for the 10km,  She now enjoys shorter races and masters running.

Enjoy, and please let us know your thoughts about the Runner's Corner!

____________________________________________________________________ 

Disordered Eating and Runners

     With warm weather definitely underway and summer just around the corner, many runners are now more aware of their body shape and image.  Unfortunately, this concern over body image can become a life-threatening obsession.  Distance runners and athletes in other sports such as gymnastics or wrestling where being low body fat can be an advantage need to be aware of eating disorders, their warning signs and treatment.

Types of Eating Disorders

     Anorexia:  This eating disorder is the most obvious because it’s sufferers have a very thin appearance.  Criteria include:

ü      Refusal to maintain the minimum body weight for one’s height and age

ü      Abnormal weight loss of 25% or more with no known medical illness accounting for the loss

ü      Intense fear of gaining weight even though underweight

ü      Disturbed perception of one’s body weight or size

ü      Absence of menstrual periods

ü      Prolonged exercising despite fatigue and weakness*

*Keep in mind that one can continue to run for awhile and even successfully even when anorectic so do NOT let running or performance let you assume this person is healthy!

        Bulimia:  This eating disorder is hard to detect because usually it’s sufferers are of normal body weight and appearance.  Criteria include:

ü      Concern over their weight and make attempts to control weight by diet, vomiting, laxatives, diuretics or exercise abuse—frequent running without eating!

ü      Eating pattern may alternate between binges and fasts

ü      Most are secretive and in denial about binges and vomiting

ü      Food consumed during a binge has a high caloric content

ü      Depressive moods and guilt occur following a binge

Binge Eating Disorder:  Like the bulimic sufferer, this person will binge with high caloric food but not purge or take other excessive measures to lose the weight they gain.   These persons are often clinically obese and less likely to be runners or athletes.

Risks

Regardless of which eating disorder one might have, they are can lead to life-threatening situations of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and heart attacks!  Take these disorders seriously and encourage anyone you suspect with this problem to get help. 

Approaching Someone You Suspect has an eating disorder:

    Educate yourself more about the disease. Recognize that underlying these disorders are often deep psychological problems such as depression (50% are clinically depressed), 25% alcoholics and a large number have other problems such as compulsive gambling or other addictions.  Thus this is not a problem simply about food or eating.

When you do decide to approach someone try the following:

ü      Avoid talking about food and weight

ü      Assure them that they are not alone and that you love them and want to help them in anyway you can

ü      Encourage them to seek help

ü      Never force them to eat

ü      D not comment on their weight or appearance

ü      Do not blame the person and do not get angry with them

ü      Be patient, recovery takes time

ü      Do not make meals a battleground

ü      Listen to them, do not be quick to give advice or opinions

ü      Do not take on the role of therapist

For more information contact the following:

American Anorexia Nervosa Association Inc.

133 Cedar Lane, Teaneck NY 0766

National Nervosa Aid Society INC

P.O. Box 29461, Columbus, OH  43229

Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAS)

550 Frontage Rd Suite 2020, Northfield, IL  60093

www.overeatersanonymous.org

www.something-fishy.org:  contains info on anorexia and bulimia, personal stories and links to support and recovery groups.

Take care, be healthy and see you on the roads.

Dr. Kitty