Athletes are not immune to eating disorders; in fact, they form one of the highest risk groups of individuals susceptible to developing an eating disorder. Athletes of both amateur and elite status struggle with disordered eating and those that participate in a combination of endurance and aesthetic-oriented sports are known to be at greatest risk for developing an eating disorder (Moriarty & Moriarty, 1994). As if the pressure of sports achievement was not enough, sports that specifically emphasize image and leanness for performance success place a double burden on athletes to be thin. These pressures in conjunction with natural human development and strained interpersonal relationships, create a recipe which oftentimes results in the development of an eating disorder.

     Here at A New Beginning, we understand the devastating impact an eating disorder can have on an individual’s interpersonal life and athletic career.  We believe that with proper treatment it is possible to restore health and rebuild a solid sense of self, as well as to reignite a healthy fire and passion for one’s sport.

     If you are an athlete struggling with consequential problematic eating and weight practices associated with the chronic stress of weight regulation for sports performance, you can benefit from our nutritional and/or therapeutic athlete services.  
 
     Brina Jergenson, RD, CSSD (Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics) utilizes her 14 years of experience as a dietician and specialist in sports dietetics by focusing on eating disorders and their impact on the physical body.  Brina’s extensive experience allows her to help athletes separate their health and sport from their eating practices and/or disorder. 

Nutritional assessments include a thorough assessment of an athlete’s dietary intake as well as body composition analysis, helping the athlete to meet their sports-directed goals while separating out unhealthy, eating disordered behavior.

     If you are an athlete who has fallen into the trap of disordered eating, please contact our office at:  (480) 941- 4247 ext.# 2.  A simple, yet thorough, assessment can be the first step towards A New Beginning of a healthier, and likely more successful, athletic career!