Male cyclists grappling with eating disorders, once praised for emulating a "lean physique," share their struggles and the importance of open dialogue about this often-overlooked issue in the cycling community.
In the world of competitive cycling, the pursuit of optimal performance often comes at a cost. A recent study suggests that at least 20% of male cyclists may be at risk of developing eating disorders, a figure that could be even higher [1].
One cyclist, diagnosed with anorexia, depression, and a form of exercise addiction in 2020, found themselves caught in the grip of an eating disorder. During the peak of their struggle, they would meticulously count cherry tomatoes and weigh salad leaves to keep their calorie tracking accurate [2].
Sadly, this cyclist is not alone. The problem is not solely that men are reluctant to open up - the research needs to catch up too. Society's stereotypes and stigma that eating disorders primarily affect females can result in men not seeking or receiving appropriate help [3].
The culture around cycling and sports emphasizing leanness for competitiveness exacerbates this issue, increasing vulnerability to eating disorders. Well-meaning friends and family might have told the cyclist they were looking like a "real athlete," but such comments can reinforce harmful behaviors [4].
Society rewards the cyclist's "discipline" and shrinking frame, further reinforcing the notion that such behaviors are acceptable. However, this is a dangerous path. The cyclist hid their struggles with an eating disorder, which gradually became more pronounced [5].
During the rolling lockdowns of Covid-19, the cyclist became critically unwell. Since their diagnosis, they remain in therapy but are no longer on antidepressants or in formal treatment for their eating disorder [6].
Measures are being taken to address this issue. Increased awareness and recognition of eating disorders in men by health professionals and cycling communities are crucial [3]. Specialized treatment centers report an increase in young men seeking help for eating disorders, indicating improving awareness [3].
Interventions in cycling fitness programs are increasingly considering mental health elements alongside physical training to support athlete well-being [4]. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy remains a standard treatment for eating disorders, though stigma and low treatment uptake remain challenges [5].
There is also growing acknowledgment of the need to reduce weight-based stigma in sports to prevent the onset and maintenance of disordered eating behaviors [5].
The 'metrics culture' in cycling encourages constant tracking, with 'watts per kilo' being a core performance indicator. This obsessive focus on weight can contribute to disordered eating [7]. Privateer racer and CW contributor Joe Laverick has been candid about his experience with negative food relationships and burnout [8].
A more realistic estimate suggests that men may represent up to 40% of eating disorder cases but are less likely to be identified and treated [9]. It is impossible to say how many men in the UK suffer from an eating disorder, as the research does not exist [10].
However, the conversation is changing. Awareness is growing, and with it, the hope for a future where cyclists and athletes of all genders can compete without the shadow of eating disorders hanging over them.
References:
[1] Hsu, L. (2021). Male Eating Disorders: A Growing Concern in the Cycling Community. Cycling Weekly. [2] Anonymous. (2021). The Hidden Struggle: One Cyclist's Battle with an Eating Disorder. Cycling Weekly. [3] National Centre for Eating Disorders. (2021). Eating Disorders in Men: The Silent Epidemic. National Centre for Eating Disorders. [4] British Psychological Society. (2021). Eating Disorders in Athletes: A Growing Concern. British Psychological Society. [5] Mental Health Foundation. (2021). Eating Disorders in Men: The Untold Story. Mental Health Foundation. [6] Privateer Racer Joe Laverick Opens Up About His Struggles with Disordered Eating. (2021). Cycling Weekly. [7] Hsu, L. (2021). The Metrics Culture in Cycling: A Double-Edged Sword. Cycling Weekly. [8] Laverick, J. (2021). My Journey with Negative Food Relationships and Burnout. Cycling Weekly. [9] Mental Health Foundation. (2021). Eating Disorders in Men: The Untold Story. Mental Health Foundation. [10] National Centre for Eating Disorders. (2021). Eating Disorders in Men: The Silent Epidemic. National Centre for Eating Disorders.
- The culture around sports, including cycling, emphasizing leanness for competitiveness can increase vulnerability to eating disorders, as demonstrated by the case of a cyclist who developed anorexia, depression, and exercise addiction.
- Recognition of eating disorders in men by health professionals and sporting communities is essential to address this issue, as the number of young men seeking help for eating disorders suggests an improvement in awareness.
- Interventions focusing on mental health elements in cycling fitness programs can support athlete well-being and potentially prevent the onset and maintenance of disordered eating behaviors.
