ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 dives into the complex intersection between eating disorders as mental illnesses and their potentially life-threatening medical consequences. Broken down by behavior, the author addresses medical concerns that athletes with eating disorders face. Restricting behaviors may negatively impact cardiovascular health, hormone and reproductive health, bone health, gastrointestinal health, thyroid and liver functioning, and integumentary health. This section also discusses refeeding syndrome. Next, the chapter addresses the concerns of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration resulting from purging. Diabulimia is a unique consideration for athletes with eating disorders and is addressed separately. The chapter discusses challenges faced by individuals with binge eating disorder. The chapter also explores common sport myths and seeks to challenge cultural norms to improve the identification and treatment of athletes with eating disorders. Lastly, this chapter discusses medical complications that arise from anabolic steroid abuse.
