Athletes with eating disorder symptomatology, a specific population with specific needs

This review presents recent studies into the prevalence, process, treatment and prevention of eating disorders in athletes. Most prevalence studies showed that increased risk for athletes exists. Methodological challenges for future prevalence studies concern the choice of methods, measurements, categorization, and sampling. To determine why athletes are at increased risk, more prospective studies using multi-factorial models and multiple risk pathways are needed. Epidemiological risk factor studies, however, do not provide us with a true understanding of the eating disorder process. The narrative approach focuses on what an eating disorder means to an athlete, which might produce more relevant clues for interventions. More research attention should be dedicated to effective treatment and facilitating recovery. Finally, prevention should add attitudinal and behavioral interventions to the current knowledge-focused approach and programs needs to go beyond coaches and athletes to become more effective.