Disordered Eating In Athletes with Dr Georgie Buckley
Introduction
This podcast episode explores the powerful connection between Body Image flexibility and Sports Nutrition. Shannon is joined by Georgie Buckley, a passionate and experienced dietitian, as she shares her insights and expertise in the realm of body image and its impact on athletic performance. They delve into the importance of embracing body image acceptance and how it relates to optimising sports nutrition, mental well-being, and overall athletic success. Gain valuable perspectives on body image flexibility and discover the positive effects it can have on athletes' performance and overall happiness.
About The Guests
Dr Georgie Buckley is an accredited Dietitian from Melbourne who has extensive experience working with eating disorder population groups and in sports nutrition. Georgie is particularly passionate about eating disorder prevention and inclusive healthcare, specifically in healthcare settings where weight stigma and oppressive power imbalances are involved.
In 2021 Georgie completed her PhD at Swinburne University of Technology where she explored the conceptualisation of disordered eating in current and former athletes and advocated for the awareness of eating disorders in sporting cultures.
Her practice is grounded in feminist and social justice approaches to healthcare.
This Episode Is A Must Listen For:
- Those involved in sports who want insights into the importance of proper fueling, the risks of low energy availability, and the impact of body image on athletic performance and overall well-being.
- Coaches and trainers can learn about the potential risks of pushing athletes too hard or promoting harmful body image ideals.
- Those interested in body image and body positivity as it relates to societal pressures related to body size and appearance, promoting body acceptance and reducing harmful body image standards.
- Those seeking to create positive body image environments: Individuals interested in creating inclusive and supportive environments for athletes and promoting body confidence in sports can gain valuable insights from the podcast.
Key takeaways:
- Low energy availability in athletes, also known as the female athlete triad, can have negative impacts on reproductive health, bone health, and overall performance.
- Relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S) is a concept that expanded on the female athlete triad, recognising that it affects all athletes, not just those with ovaries, and can lead to various physiological and performance issues.
- Intuitive eating goes beyond simply listening to hunger and fullness; it involves connecting with one's body, understanding its needs, and making conscious choices to fuel it properly.
- Body image flexibility is crucial in today's culture, where unrealistic body ideals and constant exposure to diet culture can lead to negative self-perceptions. Accepting and sitting with uncomfortable emotions without letting them dictate behaviours is an essential aspect of body image flexibility.
- Treating weight like shoe size or height and accepting it as a neutral characteristic could promote healthier body image and reduce the prevalence of eating disorders and body dissatisfaction.
Further Resources:
- Find Georgie's instagram here
- The Body Confidence Collective
- Overcoming beliefs that hold us back
- How to appreciate your body
- Work with Shannon here
Join us on this empowering episode as we uncover valuable tools and knowledge to support body confidence and foster a healthy relationship with food, body, and self.
