According to recent research, female athletes are at risk of developing eating disorders due to the influence of social media. The study highlights that these sportswomen feel obligated to attain the perfect body to succeed. Researchers contend that images of digitally manipulated celebrities and fashion models with ultra-thin physiques perpetuate “nutrition myths.” This trend is known as “fitspiration” and is prevalent on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Fitness influencers perpetuate misleading nutrition myths
The authors indicated in a press release that individuals identifying as ‘fitness influencers on social media platforms frequently disseminate inaccurate information about health despite needing proper qualifications. Furthermore, due to the development of editing software like Photoshop, the depictions of physical appearance in media need to be more authentic. As a result, numerous adolescents may resort to harmful restrictive diets to attain these unattainable physiques. They feel compelled to conform to an idealized standard and subsequently experience feelings of inadequacy when they cannot reproduce the unrealistic body types seen in various media forms.
Renowned female athletes like Serena Williams have opened up about the immense pressure to maintain an ideal physical appearance. Recently, a heptathlete, Anna Hall, utilized TikTok to voice her disapproval towards individuals who compare sportswomen to men based on their appearance.
Unrealistic body-type ideals lead to negative body image
The study’s authors indicate that unrealistic body-type ideals in sports can lead to negative body image and eating disorders in athletes. Several female athletes share their experiences of struggling with these issues, including extreme dieting and self-punishment for eating. The pressure to conform to specific body type ideals in certain sports, such as running, can also exacerbate the problem. The authors argue that education is key to addressing this issue.
According to Dr. Vidlock and Catherine Liggett, a University of Colorado medical student, unrealistic body type ideals can directly impact the individual. Dr. Vidlock and team advocate for promoting high-quality performance in women’s sports through healthy eating and nutrition, educating athletes, coaches, and clubs about body confidence, and protecting them from unhealthy habits like fad diets and unrealistic ideals.
