Question

"Sports that require athletes to maintain a specific weight to perform well are at higher risk of developing eating disorders." Justify this statement with your answer.

Hint:

This condition is often a part of the Female Athlete Triad, which consists of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia are common in sports where thinness or a specific weight category is essential for success or aesthetic scoring.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. Weight-Category Sports: In sports like wrestling, boxing, or judo, athletes often undergo extreme "weight cutting" (fasting, dehydration) to qualify for a lower weight class to gain a competitive advantage.
2. Aesthetic Sports: In gymnastics, figure skating, or ballet, athletes face immense pressure to maintain a lean physique, which can lead to restrictive eating habits.
3. Psychological Pressure: The fear of losing performance due to weight gain leads to an obsession with calorie counting and body image, increasing the risk of clinical eating disorders.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The statement is justified because the intense pressure to "make weight" or maintain a "lean look" forces athletes into unhealthy dietary behaviors, often leading to a permanent distortion of body image and eating habits.