What is a common behavioral warning sign of an eating disorder in athletes?

A common behavioral warning sign of an eating disorder in athletes is withdrawn social behavior. When athletes experience an eating disorder, they may begin to isolate themselves from friends, teammates, and family. This withdrawal can be attributed to the psychological and emotional stress associated with their disordered eating habits, as they may feel shame, anxiety, or guilt surrounding their eating patterns. This social withdrawal can lead to a decrease in participation in team events and social gatherings, affecting their overall emotional well-being and relationships.

By contrast, while frequent injuries, overtraining, and routine changes may be significant indicators of other issues in athletes, such as physical strain or psychological stress, they are not specific warning signs of an eating disorder. These other options tend to be more related to physical performance or training-related issues rather than the psychological and emotional aspects that are critical in recognizing eating disorders. Thus, the social withdrawal behavior specifically highlights the internal struggles that an athlete may be facing when confronted with an eating disorder.