Did you know that female athletes are at risk to develop issues with their body image? In general, athletes need to be muscular for their sport which is good for a lot of reasons. However, this can lead to a different physique from what is conventionally considered desirable from a woman's body. Athletes are under increasing pressure, especially with today's society dictating what women, in general, should look like. Athletes don't always look like the Kim Kardashians and Bella Hadids of the world due to their bodies needing to be strong and tailored to performance. That said, there are ways female athletes can get comfortable in their skin and improve their body image, which benefits both themselves and their teams.

What is body image?

Body image refers to how a person sees themselves. This includes body shape, size, weight, and feel. Webmd.com conducted a survey and found that 68% of female college athletes felt pressure to be pretty and 30% were afraid of becoming too muscular. This means that female athletes are more at risk to develop a negative body image, which can greatly impact them.

Related: The Prevalence of Eating Disorders Amongst Female Athletes (Part One)

What are the risks?

Athletes with a negative body image may try to change their bodies by losing too much weight. This can lead to poor performance, injury, and even eating disorders. Eating disorders can come as a result of an athlete wanting to change their appearance, which can lead them to cut their food intake too low. But athletes need to fuel their bodies in order to perform at the level required of them, and if they aren't eating or hydrating properly due to a poor body image, this can jeopardize how they execute their sport. 

What can we do?

1.) Own it. If you notice yourself, as an athlete, feeling this way don't dismiss your thoughts. If left unchecked, minor concerns can become normalized and can escalate into serious problems. Remind yourself that it is the social media and cultural system that has failed you, and your insecurities are not your fault. If you really feel like you want to make a change, see a dietician or nutritionist, and make sure they specialize in athlete needs. Remember, there is no one ideal body type for women, or any  athletes for that matter. 

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2.) Pay attention to others. If you are an outside party and you notice an athlete struggling with their body image, remind them there is no one specific body type. It is important for the athlete to know their body does what they need it to do, and what they may be trying to achieve might not be able to do that. If the situation progresses, you can refer them to a therapist or nutritionist. Websites like eatingdisorderhope.com and truesport.org are helpful for body image issues and eating disorder resources.

Female athletes are known for being confident, but the potential for body image issues is always a possibility. These issues can stem from being under overwhelming pressure, but there are signs and ways to help. 

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* Originally published on July 25, 2022, by Claire Borman