BODY TALK

With some powerful input from dietitians, psychologists, coaches, referees and players, Josh Graham shines a light on rugby's relationship with body image and eating disorders

- JOSH GRAHAM

KNOWN AS the game for all shapes and sizes, sadly that does not preclude those in rugby union from experiencing issues with body image and eating.

Far from it. “Eating disorders are more common among athletes than in the public,” explains Dr Anne Kehoe, the president of the Psychological Society of Ireland who works with Rugby Players Ireland. “Rugby is for all bodies, so people sometimes make unfair comparisons with team-mates and can set up unrealistic ideas or expectations.

“We call it cognitive distortion. People can become very anxious then that can help perpetuate disordered eating.”

The UK’s eating disorder charity BEAT estimates that 1.25million people, in a population of just over 67 million, have an eating disorder. Around 25% are male. Many struggle with irregular eating but may not warrant a diagnosis.

Perfectionism, high standards and personal discipline are all personality traits found in elite athletes that can lead to dysfunctional relationships with food, body image and exercise.

“It doesn’t have to be a full-blown classic eating disorder that’s ruining your game and your life, it’s okay to get help earlier on,” adds Dr Kehoe. “It’s not unusual to have an over-focus on eating at professional-level sports and focus on that area can hamper performance.”