The ‘internal image one has of his or her body and the assessment of that image within an athletic context’ has been described as athletic body image.Lots of sportsperson, men and women alike suffer from body image dissatisfaction, which is a negative and prejudiced appraisal of their own body. This invariably is associated with eating disorders mainly bulimia and anorexia nervosa. In bulimia nervosa there is repeated binging and purging it, to nullify the effect of those calories, all to maintain a perceived body image.

Sportspersons are invariably under strain from coaches, sponsors and corporate giants to comply with societal and athletic standards of weight and appearance. The idea of body image is a multifaceted with physiological, psychological, and sociological layers. This concept includes satisfaction of body weight, size and appearance, and body dysmorphophobia . This compulsive behavior leads to multiple health problems viz. menstrual disturbances, disorders of cardiac, digestive, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems, bone demineralization, loss of muscle mass and body fat, dehydration, intolerance to cold, concentration and anxiety disorders, decreased self-esteem, frustration, and mood swings.

Eating disorders when combined with strenuous physical training can have detrimental effect. Educating the athletes can minimize the associated deleterious health hazards.