Eating disorders a problem among elite female footballers, study finds

Anxiety, depression and eating disorders represent significant, if often hidden, problems among elite female footballers competing in the Women’s Super League and Championship.

The first academic study to explore the prevalence of mental health issues among leading women players in England has revealed that 36% of the 115 who completed a confidential survey displayed eating disorder symptoms. Meanwhile 11% exhibited indications of moderate to severe anxiety and a further 11% struggled with moderate to severe depression.

While similar rates of anxiety and depression have been recorded in both the general population and other elite athletes of both genders, the number of eating disorders among female footballers are seemingly higher.

Ninety per cent of participants believed that receiving some form of psychological help would enhance their careers and 86% indicated they wanted or needed clinical support at some point during their playing years.

Lead author Carly Perry from the School of Sport and Heath Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, noted that psychological back up was available at only 50% of clubs represented by participants. “It is critical that football clubs encourage help-seeking behaviours,” said Perry, who is particularly concerned about the prevalence of eating disorders in the top two tiers of the English game.

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Indeed weight, and more specifically, controlling it proved a recurring theme. “Our findings reported that 35% footballers were currently trying to lose weight and 45% reported attempting to lose weight in the previous four weeks,” said Perry. “Importantly this data was collected during the competitive season. Research is