Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses with a high mortality rate that are increasingly common and recognized in sports. Eating disorders are characterized by severe disturbances in eating patterns, as the patient's life revolves around constant thinking about food, which affects all areas of his functioning. The etiology of eating disorders is complex and, like other psychiatric disorders, likely involves the intersection of many causative factors. Types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, bigorexia, and other eating disorders. The literature states that the epidemiology of eating disorders in the sports population is greater than in the non-athletic population, therefore we investigated the micro and macrosystem level of the environmental impact of the sports-specific environment on the development of eating disorders according to the ecological system theory model.
We used a descriptive literature review method, we included in the research relevant domestic and foreign scientific sources that focus on the factors of eating disorders originating from the individual's environment. Environmental factors were supported by interviews of professional athletes who spoke publicly about their experiences with eating disorders, as well as interviews with coaches, parents and experts in the field of eating disorders in sports. In the ecological system approach, we put the vulnerable individual in the center and found that the sports environment values similar qualities (perfectionism, discipline, motivation for achievements) that are characteristic of individuals with eating disorders, especially if they suffer from poor self-esteem. In the microsystem, which represents the athlete's closest environment, important roles belong to parents, coaches and peers/ teammates and their attitude towards nutrition, body shape and body weight. Important macrosystemic influences are represented by the media and social networks (the ideal of the sports figure), sports rules and the attitude of sports clubs, national and international federations towards the athlete's health and safety.
Creating and implementing an environment and culture that helps prevent eating disorders is of utmost importance to promote the health of all athletes to reduce the risk and incidence of eating disorders. Educational programs for athletes, coaches, parents and the entire athlete's team, the literature cites as the best method of primary prevention for eating disorders and eating disorders. The main goals of the training should be focused on reducing the stigma of eating disorders, promoting healthy attitudes to food and healthy body self-image, encouraging open discussion, educating about possible consequences for health and performance, and educating about optimal nutrition for the demands of a particular sport.
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