Disordered eating among athletes has long been a hidden issue in the world of sports. While physical fitness and peak performance are often celebrated, the pressure to maintain certain body types or weights can lead some athletes down a dangerous path.

Many high-profile athletes have bravely come forward to share their personal struggles with eating disorders, helping to break the stigma and raise awareness. Their stories highlight the importance of mental health support in sports and demonstrate that even those at the top of their game can face these challenges. By speaking out, these athletes have opened important conversations about body image, performance pressure, and the need for better support systems in competitive sports environments.

1) Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has been open about his struggles with mental health and disordered eating. The swimming champion has spoken candidly about his experiences with depression and anxiety throughout his career.

Phelps revealed that he often used food as a coping mechanism during difficult times. He would sometimes binge eat to deal with stress and emotional turmoil, particularly after major competitions.

The athlete's relationship with food and body image was further complicated by the intense physical demands of his sport. Phelps had to maintain a strict diet and body composition to perform at his peak.

Since retiring from competitive swimming, Phelps has become an advocate for mental health awareness. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and has shared that therapy has been crucial in his ongoing journey.

Phelps continues to work on his mental health and relationship with food. He acknowledges that it's an ongoing process, requiring constant learning and adaptation.

2) Laurie Hernandez

Laurie Hernandez, an Olympic gold and silver medalist in gymnastics, has been open about her struggles with disordered eating. The athlete revealed that she experienced an eating disorder during her competitive career.

Hernandez described her relationship with food as a "long up and down journey." She shared that her eating habits became obsessive, affecting both her physical and mental well-being.

The gymnast's recovery process involved learning to understand food and its role in fueling her body properly. Hernandez emphasized the importance of proper nutrition for athletes' performance and overall health.

In interviews, Hernandez has offered advice to others in recovery. She encourages focusing on self-care and developing a healthier relationship with food and body image.

Hernandez's openness about her experiences has helped raise awareness about eating disorders in sports. Her story highlights the pressures athletes face and the need for mental health support in competitive environments.

3) Diana Taurasi

Diana Taurasi, widely regarded as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time, has faced her share of mental health challenges throughout her career. The WNBA superstar has been open about the toll that two decades of professional play can take on an athlete's psyche.

Taurasi has experienced numerous changes in her time with the Phoenix Mercury, including multiple coaching shifts and the evolution of the league itself. These constant adjustments, combined with the pressures of high-level competition, have impacted her mental well-being.

Despite being a former league MVP and multi-time Olympian, Taurasi has acknowledged the importance of addressing mental health concerns. She has emphasized the need for athletes to prioritize their mental wellness alongside their physical fitness.

Taurasi's candid discussions about mental health have helped shed light on the challenges faced by long-term professional athletes. Her willingness to share her experiences has contributed to broader conversations about mental health in sports.

As she approaches the latter stages of her career, Taurasi continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. Her openness about mental health struggles serves as an inspiration to both current and aspiring athletes.

4) Gracie Gold

Gracie Gold, an Olympic figure skater, has openly discussed her struggles with disordered eating and mental health. The American athlete gained prominence in the figure skating world, winning bronze at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Gold's battle with an eating disorder began to significantly impact her career and personal life. She withdrew from competition in 2017 to seek treatment for depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder.

The figure skater's journey to recovery has been challenging. Gold has spoken about the intense pressure she felt to maintain a certain body image in the competitive skating world.

In recent years, Gold has become an advocate for mental health awareness in sports. She has shared her experiences in interviews and a memoir, shedding light on the hidden struggles many athletes face.

Gold's openness about her struggles has helped break down stigmas surrounding mental health in elite athletics. Her story highlights the importance of supporting athletes' mental well-being alongside their physical training.

5) Brandon Marshall

Brandon Marshall, a former NFL wide receiver, has been open about his struggles with mental health. In 2011, he was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) after being hospitalized following a domestic incident.

Marshall's diagnosis came as a revelation, allowing him to better understand and manage his mental health challenges. He approached his diagnosis with the mindset of an athlete, viewing it as an opportunity to improve his performance in life.

The NFL star has since become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. He works to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness, especially in the world of professional sports.

Marshall's efforts extend beyond his personal journey. He actively promotes mental health education and support for others facing similar challenges.

By sharing his experiences, Marshall demonstrates that mental health struggles do not define a person's strength or capabilities. His advocacy helps others feel more comfortable seeking help and discussing their own mental health concerns.

6) Gus Kenworthy

Gus Kenworthy, an Olympic freestyle skier, has been open about his struggles with body image and disordered eating. As a professional athlete in a sport that emphasizes physical appearance, Kenworthy faced pressures to maintain a certain physique.

In interviews, Kenworthy has discussed his experiences with restrictive eating habits and overexercising. He acknowledged feeling self-conscious about his body, especially in comparison to other athletes in his sport.

Coming out as gay in 2015 was a turning point for Kenworthy. He found that being authentic about his sexuality helped him develop a healthier relationship with his body and eating habits.

Kenworthy's openness about his struggles has inspired other athletes to speak up about their own experiences with disordered eating. His story highlights the unique pressures faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in competitive sports.

Since retiring from professional skiing, Kenworthy has continued to advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity in sports. He uses his platform to encourage others to seek help and support for eating disorders and body image issues.

7) Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn, the Olympic alpine skiing champion, has been open about her struggles with mental health and body image. As a high-profile athlete, she faced intense pressure to maintain a certain physique for peak performance.

Vonn has spoken candidly about her experiences with disordered eating. She revealed that she often restricted her food intake and engaged in excessive exercise to meet the demands of her sport.

The pressure to maintain a specific weight and body composition took a toll on Vonn's mental well-being. She found herself constantly worried about her appearance and how it might affect her skiing performance.

In recent years, Vonn has become an advocate for mental health awareness among athletes. She emphasizes the importance of addressing both physical and mental challenges in sports.

Vonn's willingness to share her story has helped normalize conversations about disordered eating in athletics. By speaking out, she aims to support other athletes who may be facing similar struggles.

8) Shaun White

Shaun White, the legendary Olympic snowboarder, has opened up about his struggles with disordered eating. Despite his incredible success in the sport, White faced challenges with body image and weight management.

White revealed that he felt pressure to maintain a certain physique for his athletic performance. This pressure led him to develop unhealthy eating habits and an obsession with his weight.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist admitted to restricting his food intake and engaging in excessive exercise to control his weight. He often felt guilty about eating and would punish himself with intense workouts.

White's journey to overcome these issues involved seeking help from professionals and learning to prioritize his mental health. He emphasized the importance of talking about these struggles and not keeping them hidden.

By sharing his experiences, White aims to inspire others facing similar challenges. He believes that discussing mental health and eating disorders can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support.

Understanding Disordered Eating

Disordered eating encompasses a range of problematic eating behaviors and attitudes. Athletes face unique pressures that can increase their risk of developing these issues. Awareness and early intervention are crucial for supporting those affected.

Defining Disordered Eating

Disordered eating refers to irregular eating patterns that don't meet the criteria for a diagnosed eating disorder. It includes behaviors like restrictive dieting, binge eating, and compulsive exercise. These habits can negatively impact physical and mental health.

Common signs include:

Obsessive calorie counting
Skipping meals
Extreme food rules or rituals
Feelings of guilt after eating

Disordered eating often stems from a desire for control or body image concerns. It can be a precursor to more severe eating disorders if left unchecked.

Prevalence Among Athletes

Athletes face heightened risk for disordered eating due to sport-specific pressures. Studies suggest up to 45% of female athletes and 19% of male athletes experience disordered eating behaviors.

Factors contributing to this increased prevalence include:

Emphasis on body weight and composition
Pressure to perform
Tight-fitting uniforms
Judges' subjective scoring in some sports

Certain sports see higher rates, particularly those emphasizing leanness or aesthetics. Gymnasts, figure skaters, and distance runners are among the most affected groups.

Early detection is key. Coaches, teammates, and sports organizations play crucial roles in creating supportive environments and promoting healthy attitudes toward food and body image.

Psychological Impact

Disordered eating among athletes can have profound effects on mental wellbeing. The pressures of performance and body image often intertwine, creating complex psychological challenges for competitors.

Mental Health Challenges

Athletes with disordered eating frequently experience anxiety and depression. The constant focus on weight, food, and body shape can lead to obsessive thoughts and behaviors. Many report feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy related to their eating habits or perceived body flaws.

Self-esteem often suffers as athletes struggle to meet unrealistic standards. The drive for perfection in sport can spill over into unhealthy perfectionism around food and appearance. Some develop social isolation, withdrawing from friends and teammates to hide their struggles.

Cognitive function may decline due to malnutrition, affecting concentration and performance. Sleep disturbances are common, further impacting mental and physical health.

Coping Mechanisms

Athletes develop various strategies to manage the psychological toll of disordered eating. Some turn to meditation and mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety and improve body acceptance. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps many reframe negative thought patterns about food and body image.

Support groups provide a sense of community and understanding. Talking with others who face similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation. Many find journaling helpful for processing emotions and identifying triggers.

Some athletes work with sports psychologists to develop healthier coping skills for performance pressure. Learning to separate self-worth from athletic achievement is crucial. Positive self-talk and affirmations can boost confidence and combat negative body image.

8 Athletes Who've Bravely Shared Their Disordered Eating Struggles