The Pressure to Perform: Body Image and ED Recovery in Female Athletes

Eating disorders can show up in a multitude of ways in athletes. From how a body “should” look if we play a certain sport, to how we “should” eat for performance, to the inevitable comparison trap of teammates and competitors.

I'm joined by Lex, a client I've worked with for many years now. She is incredibly special to me. We began working together when she was in high school struggling with an eating disorder and unable to participate in the sport she loves, and she recently graduated college.

Lex also opens up about her family dynamics, the treatment that didn’t work, and how she learned to advocate for the care she actually needed. Her story is a reminder that recovery is not a linear path — it’s a winding one, full of self-discovery, hard conversations, and quiet moments of courage.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

*Why Lex developed an eating disorder in high school

*The unique vulnerability of runners to disordered eating

*What helped her actually move the needle in recovery

*How romantic partners and friendships can either support or sabotage healing

*Why comments from coaches about food and weight are so damaging

*Overcoming food fears (hello, carbs!)

*What it really means to heal your body image

*What it took to return to running with a new mindset

*Her advice for other athletes who are struggling — and the next frontier of her recovery journey

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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

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