Study finds eating disorders and mental health issues a concern for ultrarunners

A scientific review published in the journal Sports Medicine has amalgamated information about mental health issues among ultra–endurance runners (UERs), and the conclusions may be surprising to many. The study defined UERs as runners who had participated in one or more ultra–endurance events (longer than a standard marathon, 42.2 kilometres).

This is insane that Ultra-endurance runners, a sport which requires lots of fuel 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️, has as high as 62.5% for eating disorders 🙀! https://t.co/i2BF9Vgb4G

— Camille Herron 🦸‍♀️ (@runcamille) August 6, 2023

“Among ultra-endurance runners, the mental, behavioral, and physical demands of training/competition can result in maladaptive outcomes,” researchers shared. “Mental health issues are common in athletes and can impact psychology, physical health, and performance.”

The study

Researchers compiled 282 papers for review, with a total of 3,670 UERs included in the body of work. They considered papers reporting on mental health and UERs in the past year, and considered data on both elite and nonprofessional athletes. Researchers then extrapolated data, focusing on rates of eating disorders, exercise addiction, sleep disturbance and depression.

Takeaway

Ultrarunners reported a suprisingly high rate of mental health concerns, with the prevalence of eating disorders among UERs between 32 and 62.5 per cent, from 11.5 to 18.2 per cent for exercise addiction, 18.6 per cent for depressive symptoms and 24.5 per cent reporting sleep disturbance. Exercise addiction was defined by the nature of the relationship with exercise rather than by training volume.

Researchers noted that further information on the difference between elite performers and mental health concerns, and nonelite runners, were necessary, as well as longitudinal studies and those considering confounding and contributing factors. They also acknowledged that running is associated with positive health and well–being benefits.

While it’s clear that more research needs to be done to glean a better understanding of mental health concerns among ultrarunners, the study provides food for thought and emphasizes a need for health benefits, training in mental health for coaches, and increased mental health supports for endurance athletes.

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