Latest Research on Eating Disorders in Athletes

What Psychologists and Sporting Organisations Need to Know

Eating disorders are a growing concern in both community and elite sport. Recent research from 2025 shows that athletes experience eating disorders and disordered eating at significantly higher rates than the general population. For any psychologist, coach, or health professional working with athletes, understanding the latest evidence is essential for early detection, effective treatment, and safe training environments.

This article summarises the newest research findings, with direct links to each study for clinical and professional use.

Eating Disorders and Performance: What the New Research Shows

A major 2025 longitudinal study demonstrated that athletes with higher levels of disordered eating experienced:

  • More time lost due to injury
  • Lower overall performance, not improvements
  • Increased physical and psychological strain

This research provides strong evidence that eating disorders undermine athletic performance rather than enhance it.

Read the full research article:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40798-025-00927-5

For psychologists working with athletes, this challenges the common misconception that restrictive eating or extreme leanness is “part of elite sport.”

High Prevalence of Eating Disorder Risk Among Collegiate Athletes

A comprehensive 2025 study of NCAA Division 1 athletes found high rates of eating disorder risk and low energy availability, especially in:

  • Aesthetic sports
  • Endurance-based sports
  • Weight-class sports

Routine screening is recommended for all student-athletes.

Read the full research article:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40337-025-01218-w

For psychologists, dietitians, and mental health clinicians, this highlights a critical need for early intervention pathways within university sporting programs.

Clinical Features and Gender Differences in Athlete Eating Disorders

A 2025 clinical study analysing athletes diagnosed with eating disorders found distinct differences between:

  • Male and female athletes
  • Athletes and non-athletes with ED presentations

These differences have implications for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Read the full research article:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40337-025-01221-1

Psychologists working in sport should use athlete-specific assessment tools to ensure accurate formulation and diagnosis.

Adolescent Athletes: Early Predictors of Disordered Eating

A late-2025 study identified important psychosocial predictors of disordered eating in adolescent athletes, including:

  • Performance-related pressures
  • Identity development
  • Internalisation of sport body ideals

This research reinforces the need for early education and intervention in junior development pathways.

Read the full research article:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40337-025-01500-x

For psychologists supporting young athletes, this highlights the importance of proactive screening and whole-system support.

Weight Pressures in Sport: A Key Driver of Eating Disorders

A 2025 PubMed-indexed study found that sport-specific pressures around weight and leanness were stronger predictors of disordered eating than general societal pressures.

Key findings included:

  • Weight-related comments from coaches or staff strongly increase risk
  • Performance-based leanness expectations contribute significantly to DE onset
  • Sport culture plays a major role in risk and recovery

Read the full research article:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41065877/

Psychologists and sporting organisations must consider environmental factors rather than focusing solely on individual behaviour.

Key Takeaways for Psychologists and Sporting Professionals

  1. Eating disorders are common in athletes

Athletes show consistently higher risk, especially in sports where body composition is emphasised.

  1. Disordered eating does not improve performance

Evidence now clearly shows negative impacts on performance, injury rates, and mental wellbeing.

  1. Screening should be routine

Psychologists and medical teams should use validated tools specific to athletic environments.

  1. Sport culture matters

Pressure from coaches, teammates, and performance staff significantly increases eating disorder risk.

  1. Multidisciplinary support is essential

Effective treatment requires collaboration between a psychologist, dietitian, GP/sports physician, and coaching staff where appropriate.

Why This Research Matters

As awareness grows, psychologists play a central role in:

  • Early identification of eating disorders
  • Providing evidence-based therapeutic treatment
  • Supporting athletes through recovery
  • Educating sporting staff about safe practices
  • Encouraging culture change in high-performance environments

Creating psychologically safe sporting environments is crucial to protecting athlete health and long-term wellbeing.