A need to acknowledge mental health has once again surfaced in the media. In this case, it’s a reference to a certain event at the 2020 Olympics.
The pressure to perform is an odd dualism. On one hand, pressure can push us to succeed, to challenge ourselves. And simultaneously, it threatens to crumble our physical, mental and emotional well-being.
World-class athletes undoubtedly experience significant pressure to perform. However, this is not limited to professionals. As students prepare for another school year, and student athletes are scheduled for their annual sports physical or well-check, it’s a timely reminder to assess whole body health.
The outward appearance of good physical health, often witnessed in active people, doesn’t always tell the complete story. Believe it or not, you may know someone who is struggling internally to deal with the pressures of their sport, it’s hard to recognize.
Are you familiar with a disorder known as the female athlete triad (the Triad)? Most are not, which is part of the reason it’s hard to recognize.
As the name implies, there is a triad of characteristics defining it. It begins with disordered eating, which admittedly, is ambiguous terminology. Disordered eating in the case of the Triad refers to energy imbalance, or simply put, too little food for the body’s needs. It may, or may not, come with a clinically diagnosed eating disorder.
As a result of undernutrition, teenage girls can experience amenorrhea (absence of menstrual cycle), which lowers estrogen levels. For the record, the return of menses does not prove all is well. The body can temporarily compensate for undernutrition. While this describes the impact on females, know that males can experience a version of the Triad, too.
Through a snowball effect, the decrease in estrogen leads to bone resorption. And from a diet with too little protein, the structural integrity of the bone becomes weakened. Over time, this combination results in low bone mineral density and partially explains why young athletes end up with frequent fractures or injuries that won’t heal.
There comes a point in life when we stop building bone mineral density (though we can continually work to maintain it). As such, youths with low bone mineral density will almost certainly have consequences as an adult – osteoporosis and infertility to name two. Prevention and treatment are critical.
Because the Triad often goes unrecognized, prevention can be a bit of a challenge. A quality, evidence-based screening tool is lacking, and there is limited awareness about the Triad.
Unfortunately, role models, such as family, coaches and the media, can send messages to teen girls about body image and food that encourage disordered eating. This is especially true for females participating in a sport that encourages a lean physique, such as dance, gymnastics, diving, running or skating. If you’re a role model, keep this in mind when you talk about food and your body.
Take note when a teen suddenly starts dieting for the sake of weight loss, especially without proper guidance. This can be an entry point for the Triad. You can also help by busting this myth: Performance will improve by losing weight. Affirm that an active body performs best when supported with adequate nutrition. That means enough calories, from a variety of food sources, to meet the needs of a body that is not only active, but growing.
Currently, the best approach for prevention requires education and a team effort. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, friend, coach or young athlete concerned about your relationship with food and exercise – be a part of the team.
For more information, visit The Female and Male Athlete Triad Coalition or Food Smart Colorado’s webpage about nutrition for athletes.
Nicole Clark is the family and consumer science agent for the La Plata County Extension Office. Reach her at nicole.clark@colostate.edu or 382-6461.
Resilience class
Doty Shepard of Resilient Colorado will present “Introduction to Resilient, Trauma Informed Leadership: Leading with Intention in the Midst of Chaos.”
Participants will learn how to create an individual resilience plan to help sustain personal and professional well-being. No charge to attend.
The online class will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16.
Register in advance at: https://bit.ly/37PiDjL.
