Unit 17/18, Tower Court, St. Davids Rd, Llansamlet, Swansea SA6 8RU

Disorder eating in Athletes

Disordered eating is abnormal eating behaviours in order to attain a certain weight or physique. It is often linked to eating disorders. Training for athletes in sports that emphasise appearance and focus on the individual rather than the entire team, for example: gymnastics, figure skating, wrestling, distance running, cycling, horse racing, ballet, swimming, weightlifting, bodybuilding, judo, karate etc, have greater rates of disordered eating than team sports, or sports that are not emphasised by aesthetics.

Disordered eating refers to a wide range of abnormal eating behaviours, many of which are shared with diagnosed eating disorders. The main thing differentiating disordered eating from an eating disorder is the level of severity and frequency of behaviours.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders:

Disordered eating can have a negative impact on a person’s emotional, social and physical wellbeing. It may lead to fatigue, malnutrition or poor concentration. It can affect someone’s social life (when socialising is restricted due to anxiety around food/eating), and can lead to anxiety and depression.

Disordered eating behaviours and attitudes include:

  • Binge eating
  • Dieting
  • Skipping meals regularly
  • Self-induced vomiting
  • Obsessive calorie counting
  • Self-worth based on body shape and weight
  • Misusing laxatives or diurectics
  • Fasting or chronic restrained eating

What is considered “normal” in terms of quantities and types of food consumed varies considerably from person to person. “Normal eating” refers to the attitude a person holds in their relationship with food, rather than the type or amount of food they eat.

Normal eating behaviours:

  • Eat more on some days, less on others
  • Eat some foods just because they taste good
  • Have a positive attitude towards food
  • Not label foods with judgement words such as “good”, “bad”, “clean”
  • Over-eat occasionally
  • Under-eat occasionally
  • Crave certain foods at times
  • Treat food and eating as one small part of a balanced life

Taken from: https://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders/disordered-eating-a-dieting

What our Customers Say
"
Since I started the plan on the 4th January I've found my energy levels have massively increased.
Following the plan is getting me through each day and you get all the support you need a few clicks away. Such a wide range of workouts that keep you on your toes, feeling fitter, stronger, and more confident than ever! Thanks Mainway Fitness
Adam Thomas
"
"
I was happy with the 1st picture as I had already changed simply from completing a sweatbox class 5 days a week!
3.5 weeks is all that’s between these pics undertook the MF Academy Metcon programme and didn’t add more than 2 sweatbox classes a week in. I work full time, single mum, 3 children can’t live in the gym! I was underestimated scared of carbs but info from the programme along with continued support from Todd and Carl and I achieved this! Lockdown this time around has hit me hard, but the live classes have kept me motivated and I’m committed to returning when those doors open and re doing the 4 week programme. No restrictions, no over training, and a heap load of support! Genuinely never enjoyed a gym or felt so comfortable before. Can’t wait to be back!!
Emma Williams
"
"
It’s hard for me to put into words what Mainway Fitness has done for me. Each & every one of the trainers, members and especially Carl.
I knew I couldn’t continue the way I was after Christmas. I threw myself into the deep end first chance I had January 1st. All the support was there from the word go. Literally. Started in the YouTube videos the first week. It wasn’t easy, my fitness hit an all time low & to no fault but myself. I let myself go mentally & physically I was the heaviest I’ve been in 29 years. It wasn’t easy. I worked hard every single day. Gradually the workouts got easier. The support was always there from Mainway, any help you needed everyone was a message away and helped me in every way I needed. I stuck to my diet religiously. Cut out alcohol, fast food, pop, and so many more drastic changes for me personally. The trainers are next to none. The live workouts started and within five weeks there I was -25 pound. Going into week 7 2 whole stone lighter!!! I feel absolutely brand new. My fitness levels are up. I’m also motivated that much from every single person there, including members I’m now doing 2 workouts and a minimum 5k walk every single day. I cannot thank them enough for the bottom of my heart. It’s changed my life forever, I really am in this now for the long haul. My confidence has grown an incredible amount, although I look so much better honestly on the inside I’m 100x more. I’m strong, my mental health is flying and my fitness levels improving every single workout. I wouldn’t know where I would be without them! What a saviour! For the rest of my life I will shout Mainway as long as I live! Life changing! Thank you so much everyone ❤️ xxxx
Kath Williams
"
"
I first started training when I was 22 and fell in love with the gym. But after the gym I went to closed down, I thought I’d never find a gym that felt like home again.
For years I tried different gyms all over Swansea and Neath, but I couldn’t find anywhere like it and my weight began to yoyo. Until eventually I got recommended to Mainway Fitness ♥️ Finally a gym that makes you feel comfortable, motivated and like family. Since joining in October 2019 I have grown stronger and fitter than ever, both physically and mentally. The atmosphere in this gym is the best I’ve ever experienced and the love and support you receive from staff and fellow members is second to none!   If you are looking to start your fitness journey and fall in love with training this is the place to be! Thank you, Carl and all the staff and members at Mainway Fitness
Jessica Llewellyn
"
"
I’ve been with Carl and Mainway Fitness since the start over 10 years ago.
They have built up a fantastic gym community who really care about their members and go the extra mile in support especially during these COVID times. I cannot thank them enough.
I decided to do the 6 Week kettlebell challenge as I have never committed to such a plan before and I’m really pleased with the results. I haven’t been this happy with my fitness for many years.
The support throughout was amazing even Carl calling me for a chat. The nutrition plan was spot on as was the training. I recommend anyone to commit to these plans and I will be signing up to the next one.
Mainway fitness is a fantastic community with fantastic facilities! Thank you!
Damian Lawson
"