In 1994, gymnast Christy Henrich tragically passed away from multiple organ failure caused by starvation, following a battle with anorexia and bulimia. She was a dedicated athlete, and ended up developing these disorders after facing pressure to lose weight from a coach as well as experiencing public scrutiny over her body. Her death sparked discussions about the toxic culture in the elite gymnastics world, but the broader conversation about eating disorders has taken time to evolve. Henrich’s story is a reminder that eating disorders are not simply a matter of “willpower.”
Our fearless leader, Dr. Mario Rago, was featured in this The New York Times Article “A Gymnast’s Death Was Supposed to Be a Wake-Up Call. What Took So Long?” and aligns with other professionals in the psychology world that eating disorders are biologically based illnesses, not “diseases of choice.”
Genetics play a crucial role in an individual’s susceptibility to eating disorders. While harmful external factors like comments about weight or appearance can trigger them, some people are predisposed. Dr. Maria rago makes the comparsion that “It’s like they’re describing livestock or horses.” This pressure athletes face regarding body image can be particularly dangerous for those already vulnerable to developing an eating disorder.
Henrich’s tragic death underscored the harmful impact of weight-shaming in sports. She had been subjected to public comments about her body, with gymnasts often being described based on their size. The constant scrutiny contributed to a cycle of self-doubt and disordered eating.
Today, while progress has been made in recognizing the importance of mental health in sports, eating disorders are still a significant issue. We need to move away from blaming individuals for their struggles and focus on creating a supportive environment that addresses the root causes of eating disorders. This includes fostering open conversations about mental health, body image, and the dangers of pressure and weight-shaming in elite sports.
The journey toward real change is slow, but each conversation brings us closer to creating healthier environments for young athletes.
By understanding the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and societal pressures, we can work toward preventing future tragedies and supporting athletes’ mental and physical well-being.
End-to-end Eating Disorder Recovery Therapists Team Up with Creative Dietitians
Rago & Associates combines the power of psychology with the importance of nutrition to help guide those who are struggling with eating disorders in a healthy, holistic, and realistic way. If you are someone you know is looking for some help on their road to recovery, we are here to guide them with a unique plan to address their specific needs.
Many of our care providers are athletes themselves and have first hand experience with these type of struggles.
With locations in Downtown Chicago, Geneva, Naperville, Hinsdale, and New Lenox, we are able to provide personalized care throughout the Chicagoland area.
Our Incredible Team of Eating Disorder Therapists & Dietitians:
- Dr. Maria Rago
- Stephanie Ciucci
- Samantha Estes
- Lisa Hardekopf
- Lindsay Calvario
- Josie Miller
- Heather Aviles
- Eve Miceli
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