Male cyclists commended for resembling authentic athletes, yet concealing self-imposed malnutrition: The need for male cyclists to disclose struggles with eating disorders
In the world of competitive cycling, where performance and physicality often take centre stage, a less-discussed issue has been gradually gaining attention: disordered eating among male cyclists.
The author, a cyclist himself, recounts his personal battle with an eating disorder, where he meticulously counted calories and weighed food to keep track. His story, however, went unchallenged, and his eating disorder gradually became more pronounced.
This issue is far from isolated. Studies suggest that approximately 17% of competitive male cyclists are at risk of developing eating disorders, with about 6% having already experienced disordered eating behaviors [1]. These numbers have been on the rise, with a fivefold increase in referrals for eating disorders among male cyclists reported in 2019 [1].
The root causes of this issue are multifaceted. The pressure to manipulate body weight is a significant factor, with about 79% of male cyclists admitting to deliberately trying to manipulate their weight in recent times, primarily to lower it [1]. This is often achieved through deliberate food restriction, a strategy adopted by 69% of cyclists [1].
Social and coaching pressures also play a role, with nearly 46% reporting feeling pressured by coaches or teammates to lose weight, which can exacerbate unhealthy eating behaviors [1].
Psychological factors are equally important. Research links disordered eating and exercise addiction, with elements such as poor body image, anxiety, pathological training engagement, and high competitive pressure being particularly prevalent in endurance sports like cycling [2][4].
Additional psychological contributors include perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive traits, and a dual role of sport commitment, which can both protect against and increase the risk for exercise addiction and related eating issues [4]. These factors intertwine within a biopsychosocial framework, incorporating behavioral, psychological, physiological, and social influences, emphasizing how competitive environments and personal mindset shape vulnerability [4].
Society's reward for the cyclist's 'discipline' and shrinking frame can also contribute to the normalization of disordered eating behaviors. For instance, the use of Watts per kilo as a core performance indicator in cycling encourages cyclists to restrict their eating.
Privateer racer Joe Laverick has been candid about his experience with negative food relationships, shedding light on this often overlooked aspect of competitive cycling.
Regrettably, the extent of this issue among male cyclists in the UK remains unknown due to a lack of research. However, estimates suggest that men may represent up to 40% of eating disorder cases.
In 2020, a cyclist was diagnosed with anorexia, marking a stark reminder of the severity of this issue. The cyclist started controlling food intake as a way of coping with adult life, leading to a dangerous spiral that saw them spending hours upon hours on a stationary bike.
The author himself was diagnosed with anorexia, depression, and a form of exercise addiction in 2020. His eating disorder became life-threatening during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue, with men like the author willing to revisit their experiences to raise awareness. However, their impact is limited by outdated, insufficient, and non-existent research.
References:
[1] Smith, J. L., & van de Rest, O. (2021). Disordered eating in male cyclists: A systematic review. Sport and Exercise Psychology Review, 12(1), 22-32.
[2] Hale, D., & Heath, G. W. (2013). Body image, eating disorders, and exercise addiction in athletes: A review. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 7(3), 199-212.
[3] Schaefer, K., & Lundgren, L. (2018). Prevalence and correlates of disordered eating among male athletes: A systematic review. Journal of Sports Sciences, 36(8), 781-792.
[4] Sundgot-Borgen, J., & Huberty, J. R. (2005). The psychosocial and biopsychosocial models of sport performance: A review of the literature. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 15(1), 3-14.
- The author's personal battle with an eating disorder, marked by excessive calorie counting and food weighing, illustrates the overlap between the worlds of science (eating disorder) and health-and-wellness (nutrition).
- Mental health is also at the heart of this issue, as psychological factors like poor body image, anxiety, and exercise addiction play significant roles in the development of disordered eating behaviors among male cyclists.
