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Bulimia Nervosa & It’s Prevalence in Ballet Dancers
Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, develop for a variety of reasons and understanding some of the factors involved with eating disorder development can be helpful in prevention, awareness, and treatment measures involved with this mental illnesses.
It is important to understand that these are complex conditions that typically involve both environmental and biological factors, such as genetic predisposition, cultural influences, and so forth.
Examining the relationship between certain athletic sports and eating disorder occurrence can also illuminate potential risk factors among athletes themselves. While sports themselves are not the direct cause of eating disorders, there is a connection between athletics that emphasize a particular body type and shape and eating disorder development.
For example, athletes that participate in competitive gymnastics, wrestling, long-distance running, figure skating, diving, and dancing, may increase an individual’s risk of developing an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa.
It is thought that sports that emphasize individual performance rather than focus on team performance may be triggering for some athletes, especially as obtaining a certain body size is thought to enhance performance [1].
Connection Between Ballet Dancing and Eating Disorders
Ballet dancers, in particular, may face a heightened risk of developing an eating disorder, especially as body size and type is highly scrutinized among competitive individuals.
Research has found that ballet dancers have three times higher risk of suffering from eating disorders compared to other athletes, and this should be considered when working with this population in any capacity [2].
Understanding the factors that might increase a ballerina dancer’s risk of developing an eating disorder, like bulimia nervosa, can help support parents, coaches, and athletes who are participating in this form of dance. Why exactly are ballet dancers at increased risk for having an eating disorder?
Generally, many ballet dancers may believe that obtaining a lower weight and having a thinner physique may improve their dancing ability and/or allow them to be more competitive in dancing.
Additionally, ballet dancing does place a large emphasis on physical appearance alone, where dancers are often required to wear tight, revealing attire and are constantly performing in front of mirrors, an audience, etc.
The focus on appearance can increase external pressure to obtain a certain look and/or body size, which can be triggering for a dancer who already has other risk factors for eating disorders, such as a history of trauma, the presence of other mood disorders, family history, or genetic predisposition.
Establishing Control
For a ballerina who is struggling under the pressure to perform and excel as a dancer, it may feel as if external factors are overwhelming and difficult to control.
In many cases, an eating disorder, like bulimia nervosa, may develop as a means of establishing a sense of control and/or dealing with difficult circumstances. Reaching a lower weight or certain clothing size can also feel like a tangible, achievable goal, something that a ballerina may strive toward to feel any sense of accomplishment.
Eating disorder behaviors associated with bulimia, such as binging and purging, may also serve as a means of “escaping” under demanding pressures that may be associated with ballerina dancing. Having a sense of control over one’s body can be motivating for a ballerina, which can lead to further engagement in an eating disorder.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that results in dangerous physical, emotional, psychological, and mental consequences. Particularly for a ballerina who may already be under physical strain and meeting rigorous demands with dancing, the side effects of bulimia can be especially damaging.
Women athletes who are struggling with eating disorders are at risk for amenorrhea, developing bone loss resulting in osteopenia or osteoporosis, and a myriad of other health concerns that can be prolonged for years after a career in dancing has concluded.
Bulimia can also cause heart abnormalities, electrolyte imbalances, kidney problems, dehydration and more, which can be extremely dangerous for a dancer under rigorous physical demands [3].
Connecting to Care and Treatment
For a ballet dancer who may be struggling with bulimia nervosa, seeking out treatment and early interventions for help are crucial for recovery and healing.
Coaches, trainers, parents, and friends can all be helpful, regarding early intervention and identification, by being aware of potential red flags associated with bulimia nervosa, such as frequently disappearing after meals, irregular eating patterns, the smell of vomit, extreme exercise, weight fluctuations, etc.
If you or someone you care for is a ballerina dancer who may be struggling with bulimia, be sure to connect to treatment as soon as possible. Talk to someone you trust about what you might be dealing with as the first step toward seeking help.
About the Author: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC is a Contributing Writer for Eating Disorder Hope.
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: National Eating Disorder Association, “Athletes and Eating Disorders”, https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/athletes-and-eating-disorders Accessed 16 August 2017[2]: Arcelus J, et al. Prevalence of eating disorders amongst dancers: a systemic review and meta-analysis. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2014 Mar;22(2):92-101
[3]: French, S. A., & Jeffery, R. W. (1994). Consequences of dieting to lose weight: Effects on physical and mental health. Health Psychology, 13(3), 195-212. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.13.3.195
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published on October 4, 2017.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 4, 2017.
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
