Fitness industry warned over eating disorders
The annual surge of interest in gym membership could lead to many people suffering eating disorders unless fitness coaches and gym instructors learn to recognise the symptoms.
The stark warning comes from Anorexia and Bulimia Care, which helps people overcome eating disorders.
They are calling for personal trainers, coaches and gym managers to watch out for the warning signs of bulimia and anorexia among those who they work with and for them to promote sensible and healthy eating as well as fitness.
Top triathlete Hollie Avil announced her retirement from the sport in the run-up to the Olympics in 2012 telling how lack of understanding by coaches led to her having an eating disorder and how those working with her did not recognise it.
ABC has produced guidelines on how to manage people with suspected eating disorders for those who train people at both elite athlete level and in the local gym.
Jane Smith, Director of ABC said: “It is fantastic that so many people are getting into sport and we hope that means healthier and fitter people enjoying sport throughout the country.
“Hollie Avil has bravely highlighted the battle she had with eating disorders. She has also shown how important it is for coaches to understand the condition.
“For some people fitness, body shape and weight loss will become an obsession, they may stop eating sensibly and there are real dangers when that happens. Both anorexics and bulimics can suffer from heart conditions which can be exacerbated by exercise.
“Club managers and coaches have a duty of care towards those who they work with and we are working with the fitness industry to educate coaches, personal trainers and those on duty in gyms to spot the signs of eating disorders.
“These signs are not always easy to spot as many people with eating disorders are very good at disguising their condition.”
ABC has drawn up guidelines in conjunction with the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), which represents over 3,000 organisations in the UK fitness sector; the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, which promotes professionalism in the industry and the Register of Exercise Professionals.
ABC exercise and nutrition adviser Dan Roberts said: “All fitness professionals have an obligation to be aware of this issue and understand the warning signs.
“Over-exercising is a form of self-harm so be vigilant and look out for clients who obsess over calories in and out, who over-train (particularly on cardio machines), those who find it hard to look in the mirror, and anyone looking particularly tired and unhealthy.
“As coaches we should always promote well-being and health over other goals. I urge all fitness professionals to show sensitivity and empathy when dealing with this growing issue. If you think someone you are working with may be suffering, give ABC a call and they will give you advice on what to say.”
The guidelines for the health industry are available on the Anorexia and Bulimia Care website: anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk.