A systematic review of the prevalence of disordered eating in fitness professionals
Written by Erika Behrmann RD, CSSD, CDCES, LDN
Hello fellow nutrition fans and athletes! Erika here, Team Dietitian at Holley Fueled Nutrition here to address a rising issue discussed in this study in the fitness community - disordered eating (DE) - that not only influences individuals' health and wellbeing but potentially impacts our community as a whole. Disordered eating (DE) is an emerging global concern, affecting up to 20 % of young adults globally. In sport, DE can contribute to the risk of low energy availability (LEA), which may subsequently lead to the development of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-s), impacting athletic performance and health.
Disordered eating (DE) has become increasingly prevalent and fitness professionals may be at greater risk. This is due to the pressures of their job including the belief that their “body is their business card” and profession-specific pressures such as increased physique-focus and emphasis on exercise. High-performance coaches showed to lowest rates as compared to personal trainers which exhibited higher rates. Conversely, lower rates of DE were seen in aerobics instructors compared to the general population, highlighting variation in prevalence across professions. Some fitness professionals teach and participate in numerous exercise classes, which are carried out in addition to their own training. Consequently, an elevated requirement to exercise may conceal or aggravate DE in this population. Findings suggest that DE is a concern amongst fitness professionals and should be addressed by appropriate education and screening programs.
The Risks of Disordered Eating:
DE includes behaviors such as extreme dieting and binge eating that could escalate into clinical eating disorders if not tackled earlier on. This harms individuals, leading to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and physical health problems including increased risk of poor energy levels and muscle injuries.
Fitness Professionals at Risk:
Fitness professionals face unique pressures related to physique and exercise, leading many - particularly personal trainers - to higher rates of disordered eating compared to other professions. This is worrying, considering their influential role as “gatekeepers” for health advice.
There’s a focus on body appearance which reinforces unhealthy standards. Often, this physical capital is wrongly assumed to reflect one’s competency as a trainer.
The Broad Impact:
As role models, if fitness professionals exhibit DE behaviors, there’s a risk they may inadvertently inspire similar habits in clients, affecting everyone’s wellbeing.
Pressure from clients and socio-cultural standards to maintain a particular physique can fuel dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating habits.
Steps Forward:
Education and Screening: We need better screening practices and educational programs emphasizing mental health within fitness certifications. Awareness isn’t just beneficial; it’s necessary.
Breaking the Stigma: Open discussions and pointing out the importance of mental health literacy can safeguard both professionals and clients from these unhealthy behaviors.
In conclusion, Personal trainers seemed to exhibit the highest rates of DE, while high-performance coaches showed the lowest. The findings give some early, tentative indication that profession-specific factors such as aesthetic pressures and physical capital may contribute to these disparities. However, methodological limitations of the study, including the predominance of small, convenience samples, inconsistent assessment tools, and a lack of male representation underscore the need for more rigorous and standardized investigations. If future high-quality research corroborates high levels of DE amongst fitness professions, this should be addressed by appropriate screening and education in professional certifications that emphasize mental health/ED literacy and provide fitness professionals with the tools and knowledge to refer out to appropriate professionals when required.
As we continue supporting each other, let’s create an environment where performance and well-being are prioritized over unrealistic body ideals. Together, we can ensure that our community remains a vibrant, supportive space as we chase our fitness and health goals! If you have any questions or want to engage in more dialogues, reach out - We’re here to support our growth together!