Female Athletes

Eating disorders Female athletes have twice the risk of developing eating disorders, which may result from: –Exposure to peer influence, magazines, television and other forms of media that make athletes susceptible to the pressures of weight loss. –Exposure to social expectations to be thin within the athletic subculture e.g. the desire for an ‘athletic shape’. Sports like ballet and gymnastics –The need to conform to an ideal sporting image that overvalues ideal body shape, size, weight and low body fat

Eating disorders Bulimia What is it?? Bulimia is an eating disorder characterised by binge eating, followed by vomiting, the use of laxatives and/or excessive exercise to purge the body of kilojoules How it effects an athlete? Deprives the body of nutrient, leads to excessive weight loss and damages the digestive tract

Eating disorders Anorexia nervosa What is it? Is an eating disorder characterised by self starvation and is potentially life threatening. Mainly effects adolescent females. How it effects an athlete? They may exercise excessively to lose weight Chronic anorexics may have insufficient energy to exercise –Skinny pressure in sports – –Eating disorders in athletes –

Iron deficiency Iron is important for the body and for good health. The amount of iron needed depends on the person’s age, gender and activity level. Females need twice as much as males. Mainly because of blood loss during menstruation as iron is major part of blood. A lack of iron is common in females. Iron is needed in the blood to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. Symptoms of low iron levels include lethargy, weakness and fatigue Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia (low blood count) but even without anaemia, leads to a reduced removal of lactic acid from muscle which causes fatigue

Activity Research activity The recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for adult females (19-50 years) is??? 18 milligrams The RDI for adult males is 8 milligrams Athletes should be encouraged to consume iron rich foods. What are some good sources of iron?? –Meat, seafood and poultry (good sources of haem iron which is best for iron absorption) –Legumes and nuts –Whole grains and cereals –Dark green leafy vegetables –eggs

Bone density Bone density refers to the thickness and strength of bones. Calcium deficiency is associated with osteoporosis and bone fractures in older females Calcium is necessary for bone strength and is also required in the blood to allow muscles and nerves to function properly Causes of calcium deficiency include hormonal changes associated with menopause, decreased exercise and inadequate calcium in diet. RDI for calcium in both males and females is 1000 milligrams which equals at least two serves of calcium rich food day Good sources for calcium are: – milk –Cheese, Yoghurt –Green leafy fruit and vegetables –Fish with bones (such as sardines) Oestrogen is also effective in maintaining bone density, in fact, more effective then increased calcium in diet

Pregnancy Mild to moderate exercise is safe and beneficial for pregnant women. Many elite athletes have trained and performed at various stages throughout and after pregnancy with no problems. Some have even performed better after giving birth. Exercise is considered dangerous in high risk pregnancies e.g. women who have experienced a miscarriage, a multiple pregnancy, premature labour or high blood pressure

Computer Activities Identify at what stages during pregnancy women can exercise or play sport. Outline what types of exercise or sport would be suitable for pregnant women What are the benefits of exercising throughout pregnancy? Design or find a set of training guidelines for pregnant athletes Watch youtube video on pregnant exercises – – Central2Bumpswww.youtube.com/watch?v=3aT36DLfzTk –Why are these appropriate? –How are they beneficial?

Basic training Guidelines for pregnant athletes Don’t start a new exercise program during pregnancy Avoid vigourous exercise Decrease exercise intensity as pregnancy progresses. It is widely recommended to maintain heart rate levels at no more than 140 beats per minute (bpm), but some athletes may be able to sustain as long as no ill-effects are left. Avoid contact and collision sports and scuba diving, parachuting, water- skiing and gymnastics Avoid overheating and heat stress (such as may be experienced in saunas and poorly ventilated areas and during hot or humid weather). Thoroughly warm up and cool down – exercise gradually Maintain adequate hydration Advise the doctor of the intention to exercise Be aware of the signs to stop exercising (for example, pain, bleeding, nausea or headaches).

Activity Inquiry ‘Iron Deficiency and Bone Density’ pg: 427 Outcomes 2