How Sports Positively Affects Teens Who May Have Eating Disorders

In India, Eating Disorders (ED) were not reported until the late 20th century. However, today they are quite common and pose a serious concern especially for young children and young adults. for mental health, albeit they might not get as much attention as other conditions. Even though there is a lack of accurate data on eating disorders in India, studies and reports indicate that these illnesses are growing more prevalent, especially among teenagers in urban areas.

Do you remember watching Shefali Shah in the movie Dil Dhadakne Do? You probably missed the scene where she’s stuffing chunks of cake without waiting to even breathe. Go back and try to understand why she does that. Constant neglect by her family, being ridiculed by her spouse, the loneliness all come together to make Shefali’s character vulnerable as she finds solace in food.

Individuals suffering from binge eating disorder often depend on foods for emotional support and find solace in overeating unhealthy snacks. Bulimia Nervosa (BN) also has the same characteristics but individuals with bulimia nervosa purge after binge eating, while binge eaters do not.

Another eating disorder which is common is anorexia nervosa, characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight, which causes severe food restriction and loss of weight. These are frequently associated with control issues, low self esteem, stress, guilt and a desire for perfection.

Perhaps the increase in eating disorders cases can be linked to glorification of the "size zero" body type and increased exposure to unhealthy and unreal beauty standards. Teenagers are increasingly exposed to edited representations of "ideal" bodies and lifestyles due to the rise of social media platforms. This constant exposure can encourage comparisons and feelings of unworthiness, which can worsen body image issues and disordered eating. Moreover, other factors such as social comparisons among fixed body types for specific genders, peer pressure and the extreme academic pressure, especially during board exams and college admissions, faced by Indian teenagers can heighten stress and anxiety. In some cases, this stress can manifest as disordered eating behaviours as a coping mechanism.

Also Read- An Insight Into The Profession Of Child Psychology

Sports Can Impact Positively

Now the question arises, how sports fits into managing eating disorders at our level best, if going to professional help is the last thing we want to do? Sports can favourably impact a teen's general well-being and may help prevent or assist recovery from eating disorders. However, it is important to remember that eating disorders are complicated mental health issues which call for professional treatment. Few reasons how participating in sports could serve as helpful:

>>Do away with negative thoughts and body image: Playing sports can serve as a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and behaviour associated with eating disorders. Participating in sports can help teenagers develop a more positive body image by shifting their perspective to what their bodies can do rather than how they look. This can help in reducing anxieties promoting self-love.

>> Increases body awareness: When your focus shifts from having negative thoughts about your body to being healthy and eating right, you move towards self-acceptance. Sports requires adequate nutrition for optimal performance, it helps in establishing a good relationship with food and exercise

>>Regulated Eating Patterns: Sports can encourage a healthier approach to food by promoting balanced and regular eating to support energy levels and performance.

>>Lowers stress: Physical activity provides a healthy outlet for processing emotions, stress, and anxiety. Releasing endorphins through exercise can improve mood and aid in managing depressive symptoms often linked to eating disorders. Teenagers who experience mental distress due to their eating disorder may find this to be very helpful.

>>Enhance confidence and self esteem: Sports provide opportunities for teens to set and achieve goals, which can help them feel more confident. As your child experiences success in sports, they may develop a more positive self-image and feel more confident about their abilities.

>>Social support: Participating in sports enables teens to be part of a team or a community. This social support system can provide a sense of belonging, understanding, and encouragement, which can be essential in the healing process. Positive peer relationships may additionally reduce loneliness and improve general wellbeing. Moreover, coaches and teammates can act as influential role models, promoting healthy behaviours and attitudes towards food and body image.

Also Read- Power Of Pranayamas And Asanas In Student Life

Different Sports And Activities That Can Assist In Healing

It's important to keep in mind that sports should be practised mindfully and in conjunction with an in-depth treatment plan as suggested by expert medical and psychological assistance. Different sports can offer a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can help in rehabilitation. Several sports and activities that might accelerate up the healing process include:

Yoga: The key components of yoga include breathing techniques, and mindfulness apart from physical movements. It can assist in relaxing, de-stressing, increasing body awareness, and re-connecting with their bodies.

Dance: Dance promotes joy, creativity, and self-expression. People who take dance lessons or practises express feeling better about their bodies and having higher self-esteem.

Team Sports: Playing in a team in a sport such as football, basketball, or volleyball can promote camaraderie, teamwork, and social relationships.

Swimming: Swimming may be both a calming exercise and a full-body workout. The weightlessness in water can alleviate body image concerns and promote relaxation.

Outdoor Activities: Outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, or rock climbing can help people unwind, lower stress levels, and enhance overall wellbeing. These activities, which can be done alone or in groups, offer a sense of discovery and adventure.

In addition to that, sports place more emphasis on physical performance and health than on external looks. This emphasis can help shift focus away from unrealistic beauty standards and societal pressures related to body image which are the prominent reasons why teens are developing unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders.

Also Read- How Olympiads Are Important In A Student’s Life?