Physical Effects in Female College Athletes with Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review was conducted to review the physical health risks of eating disorders in female collegiate athletes. Articles were screened on PubMed and EBSCOhost databases, as well as various articles from NCAA.org, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Mirasol Recovery Centers, for relationships between eating disorders and female college athlete’s physical health. It was found that female college athletes with disordered eating habits have an increased risk three main damages to their body. These are decreased bone density, negative energy balance, and menstrual irregularities. These menstrual irregularities can lead to irreversible damages in bone, muscle and fertility development. Along with the three main damages to the female’s body, the female athletes experienced various other side effects. The articles reviewed indicated multiple other damages to the female’s body. Negative physical health outcomes affect female college athletes who are victims of eating disorders.