While we know The Athlete Triad is directly caused by an energy deficiency, do we really know how or why our bodies fall into this trap? Here are 4 main pathways which can contribute to the problem.
Inadvertent Undereating
When you are not eating enough food to account for the amount of energy expended, but probably do not realize you are doing so. Maybe you forgot to bring lunch with you to school or practice, or maybe you don’t have enough money to pay for a snack after a workout. In these scenarios, you are not consciously trying to decrease your caloric intake.
Disordered Eating
Abnormal eating patterns affect your ability to maintain sufficient caloric intake. While these behaviors are not classified or diagnosed as an eating disorder, but they can still lead to an energy deficit. Common disordered eating behaviors include a preoccupation with being thin (high drive for thinness) and a conscious effort to restrict your diet (high dietary cognitive restraint). Ultimately, these contribute to pathological weight control behaviors, but are not diagnosed as eating disorders.
*IMPORTANT: Dietary restriction, binge eating and/or purging behaviors affect 89% of lean-build athletes.
Clinical Eating Disorders
Many people suffer from severe psychological illnesses, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, which are related to an unhealthy relationship with food. Often, they tend to be perfectionists with low-self esteem and are very critical of themselves. The pressure to fit a certain image in their mind, results in binging and purging habits that can lead to malnutrition, heart problems, and potentially fatal conditions further down the road if left untreated.
*IMPORTANT: Up to 48% of athletes have clinically diagnosed eating disorders.
Intentional Weight Loss (without disordered eating)
In this case, some people pursue healthy weight loss goals but lack the understanding of proper nutrition. With the help of a dietitian or nutritionist, this can easily be prevented.
If you or someone you know may be struggling, please seek medical and/or psychological attention or nutrition education.
It is important to have a deeper understanding of the many pathways that lead to energy deficiency. Identify common causes and prevent the Triad before it even starts.
