may be triggered by a stressful event, usually related to close relationships, and are linked with other emotional and mental health issues including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and so on. Anorexia and bulimia start with
food restriction to control weight, which becomes stricter and generates feelings of euphoria at being in control. Persons with anorexia may become obsessed with calorie counting, weighing, measuring and mirror checking; they develop an intense fear of gaining weight and severely restrict their food intake and may use laxatives and vomiting. People with bulimia move between food
restriction and bingeing and use purging behaviours to compensate for binges, leading to spiralling feelings of self-loathing and disgust, which triggers the repetitive cycle of behaviour. There may also be risk of self-harm and substance misuse. Men with eating disorders may have
a desire for either ‘thinness’, or to ‘bulk up’, which may lead to steroid misuse. These behaviours have severe
health consequences and contribute to numerous health problems (loss of menstruation/erection, infertility,
january 2012 © cybertrek 2012
gastro-intestinal problems) and sometimes death. Of all psychiatric conditions, anorexia has the highest mortality rate from medical complications (cardiac collapse) and suicide.
advice for operators So what can fitness operators do? Be aware: Recognise that eating
disorders affect both men and women and people of all ages – including staff. There is evidence that eating disorders are prevalent in aerobics instructors and some professional athletes, dancers and gymnasts. Access information: Connect
with mental health and eating disorder charities such as B-eat or MIND and invite them to give talks or host a display stand for a day. Ask them to write articles for members’ newsletters and advertise their services on notice boards. Many people with eating disorders may be in denial (pre- contemplation), so the best strategy is to just provide access to information. In-house training: MIND, a leading
UK mental health charity, provides training courses for mental health
Men who suffer from eating disorders may have a desire to ‘bulk up’
and youth mental health fi rst aid. The programmes explain how to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health distress (eating disorders, depression, substance misuse, self harm, suicide etc), and teach the
‘mental health fi rst aider’ how to intervene respectfully and empathically and guide the person towards appropriate sources of help and support that may assist their recovery. These courses are the mental health
equivalent of the compulsory fi rst aid at work training used to train staff to intervene in the event of an accident or medical emergency. This valuable training could be provided to all staff, as well as to members. Intervene: Rather than ignoring
someone who may be showing signs of distress, speak to them and listen to what they say without judgement. Never make accusations or form a diagnosis – diagnosis is a GP’s responsibility. Exercise professionals can enquire about exercise goals and ask the person
Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 55
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