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Related Experiment Videos

Malnutrition in a compulsive runner: a case conference.

W O Roberts1, D L Elliot

  • 1Minn Health P.A., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|May 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

This case study highlights a female marathon runner diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Excessive exercise, low dietary intake, and amenorrhea led to malnutrition and edema.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • A 28-year-old female athlete, engaged in daily high-intensity training including running, swimming, and biking, presented with concerning symptoms.
  • She had a history of a slow-healing hamstring strain, suggesting potential overexertion or inadequate recovery.

Observation:

  • The patient reported a 2-month history of increased fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance.
  • She exhibited significant leg swelling (pitting edema to the knees), pallor, and appeared malnourished and older than her stated age.
  • Vital signs revealed hypotension (90/60 mmHg) and tachycardia (100 bpm).

Findings:

  • The patient had not menstruated for over 2 years (secondary amenorrhea) and admitted to very low dietary intake, driven by concerns about body fat.
  • Despite denying purging behaviors, diuretic/cathartic use, or recent blood loss, her presentation was consistent with severe malnutrition.
  • The clinical diagnosis of anorexia nervosa was established.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical link between excessive exercise, disordered eating, and severe physiological consequences in athletes.
  • It emphasizes the importance of recognizing subtle signs of eating disorders in fitness professionals and athletes, even when denial is present.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening complications associated with anorexia nervosa in this population.

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