Male athletes are vulnerable to disordered eating behavior and eating disorders in spite of their perceived invincibility. Because male athletes have not been included in eating disorder research, we have much to learn from their lived experiences of the disorder and in treatment and recovery.

This session will feature a clinical sport psychologist, a sports dietitian, and two male athletes with lived experiences and quite different presentations along the spectrum of eating disorders that affect individuals in competitive sport. David was a collegiate track athlete who experienced a restrictive eating disorder in his relentless pursuit of thinness and Olympic gold. Patrick was a powerhouse collegiate football player who developed bulimia along his journey to an NFL career.

This engaging conversation will bring to light the salient risk factors, heterogeneous clinical and behavioral presentations, and the physical and mental health consequences of eating disorders in sport from the perspective of the under-diagnosed and under-treated male athlete condition. The role and scope of practice of the RDN on the multidisciplinary care team will be illustrated alongside recommendations for screening, referral and treatment. Research provides the framework for evidence-informed best practices, and participants will be engaged in a rich discussion with the panelists.

Planned with the Sports and Human Performance Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group