Eating Disorder Solutions is proud to be an Elite Care Center with Hall of Fame Health, an affiliate of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We offer specialized eating disorder and mental health treatment for current and former athletes, their families, and those who support them.
Eating Disorder Treatment for Athletes in Texas
Specialized eating disorder treatment for athletes, provided at our Dallas treatment center. At Eating Disorder Solutions, we support athletes in restoring health, improving performance sustainability, and rebuilding a balanced relationship with food, training, and their bodies.
Modified Date: March 4, 2026
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Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment for Athletes, Based in Dallas
Athletes face unique pressures around performance, body composition, and discipline that can increase the risk of disordered eating and eating disorders. At Eating Disorder Solutions, we provide specialized eating disorder treatment for athletes across Texas, with care delivered at our Dallas, Texas location by a team experienced in working with athletic populations.
Our approach recognizes the physical demands of training alongside the psychological factors that contribute to restrictive eating, overtraining, compulsive exercise, or fueling concerns. Treatment plans are individualized and may address performance anxiety, injury recovery, identity shifts, and co-occurring mental health conditions, while prioritizing medical stability and long-term well-being. Athletes from the Dallas–Fort Worth area and throughout Texas choose our program for our thoughtful, nonjudgmental care and focus on sustainable recovery.
Why Are Athletes at Higher Risk for Eating Disorders?
Participating in collegiate and professional sports offers exceptional avenues for competition, honing teamwork and leadership skills, as well as maintaining physical fitness. Nevertheless, the life of an athlete is not always gold. Unfortunately, athletes and eating disorders are a common occurrence. The rigorous demands of college athletics make student-athletes especially susceptible to developing eating disorders and engaging in compulsive exercise. The National Library of Medicine reveals that an astonishing 84% of collegiate athletes adopt unhealthy behaviors to control their weight and eating habits. These practices include binge eating, excessive exercising, strict dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, and utilizing weight loss supplements.
Our Levels of Care
Every person's journey is unique. We offer personalized treatment programs designed to meet you where you are and support you every step of the way in Dallas, Texas.
Residential Treatment
24/7 inpatient eating disorder treatment providing structured, medically supported care in a safe, healing environment.
Outpatient Treatment
Daytime eating disorder treatment offering intensive support while allowing clients to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities.
Partial Hospitalization
High-level eating disorder treatment combining daily clinical care with increased flexibility outside of inpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient
High-level eating disorder treatment combining daily clinical care with increased flexibility outside of inpatient treatment.
Virtual Outpatient
Fully online eating disorder treatment delivering structured therapy and nutrition support from the comfort of home.
Aftercare
Ongoing eating disorder recovery support designed to maintain progress and reduce the risk of relapse after treatment.
Our Approach
Evidence-Based Care with Heart
We combine the latest research with compassionate, individualized care. Our multidisciplinary team works together to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of eating disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Identify and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Build skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
Trauma-Informed Care
Address underlying trauma in a safe, supportive environment.
Why Do Eating Disorders in Athletes Often Go Unnoticed?
Athletes are ingrained with the belief that they must embody toughness both mentally and physically. Consequently, many athletes suffering from eating disorders go unnoticed because their bodies appear muscular, while their internal well-being tells a different story. Being an athlete is an arduous pursuit; if it were effortless, everyone would partake in it. Success in sports requires resilience, self-assurance, and unwavering determination. Unfortunately, at times, this determination can compromise one’s overall health. The pressure to excel at such a demanding level is undeniably immense. From early morning weight training sessions to afternoon film analysis and mid-day practices, athletes continuously push their limits.
These conclusions hold stronger validity in sports that prioritize a lean physique, where being slim or lightweight offers a competitive edge compared to other body types.
- Gymnastics, diving, bodybuilding, and wrestling are all examples of sports that place emphasis on physical appearance, weight criteria, or muscular development.
- Sports that prioritize individual performance rather than team dynamics, such as gymnastics, running, skating, dancing, and diving.
- Endurance-based sports like track and field, running, and swimming demand sustained stamina and endurance.
What Are The Statistics on Athletes and Eating Disorders?
Athletes and eating disorders have been the subject of many studies due to their vulnerability. This research revealed the following:
- Up to 45% of female athletes, and 19% of male athletes, struggle with an eating disorder [1].
- 2% of female athletes struggle with anorexia nervosa [2].
- 6% of female and 2% of male athletes will struggle with bulimia nervosa behaviors [4].
Specialized Programs
We understand that different ages and situations require different approaches. Our specialized programs are tailored to meet specific needs.
Adult Program
Specialized eating disorder treatment designed to support adults balancing recovery with work, family, and daily responsibilities.
Athlete Program
Eating disorder treatment tailored for athletes, addressing performance pressures, fueling needs, and sport-related stressors.
LGBTQ+ Program
Inclusive eating disorder treatment providing affirming, holistic care for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.
College Students Program
Eating disorder treatment designed to support college students navigating academic demands, independence, and social pressures.
What Are The Most Often Diagnosed Eating Disorders in Athletes?
- Anorexia nervosa: deliberate caloric intake restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body image.
- Bulimia nervosa: weight gain due to binge eating, unhealthy compensatory behaviors (like excessive exercise and induced vomiting), and undue weight and shape perception.
- Binge-eating disorder: frequently consuming substantial amounts of food in one sitting and feeling that eating behavior is out of control.
Why Are Athletes at Risk?
Conforming to specific body standards in different sports is widespread and often leads to eating disorders in athletes. Whether it’s actual or perceived, coaches, teammates, and influential figures can contribute significantly to the increased incidence of eating disorders among athletes. Even if athletes exhibit physical signs of good health, it doesn’t make them any less susceptible to developing an eating disorder. Sports like bodybuilding, gymnastics, figure skating, wrestling, rowing, and horse racing pose a higher risk due to their strong emphasis on diet, appearance, size, weight, and aesthetics. Moreover, uniforms that expose the body, regardless of gender, and the assumption of good health based on athletic performance can act as catalysts in the initial stages of these conditions. Consequently, certain athletes face an elevated risk of engaging in disordered eating behaviors.
- Genetic Influence: Genetic factors may contribute to the predisposition for developing eating disorders, with as much as 40-60% of the risk attributed to genetics. However, genetic predisposition alone is not the sole cause of these illnesses, as other factors also come into play.
- Environmental Factors: Various environmental elements, including media influence, cultural factors, brain injuries, significant events, external influences, trauma, and parental influence, play a significant role in causing eating disorders. Individuals often experience societal or cultural pressures related to weight or appearance, yet not everyone who faces these pressures will develop an eating disorder. Females are more prone to suffering from these disorders, with onset often occurring during adolescence.
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Residential Center
Outpatient Center
Conditions We Treat
We provide specialized care for all types of eating disorders in Dallas, Texas.
Anorexia Nervosa
A restrictive eating disorder marked by fear of weight gain and distorted body image, requiring comprehensive medical, nutritional, and therapeutic care.
Bulimia Nervosa
An eating disorder involving cycles of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, often driven by emotional distress and body image concerns.
Binge Eating Disorder
Characterized by repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, without compensatory behaviors.
Compulsive Overeating
Recurrent episodes of overeating driven by emotional distress rather than physical hunger. Treatment helps address emotional triggers, reduce shame, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Body Dysmorphia
Persistent distress about perceived flaws in appearance that impact daily life. Treatment focuses on improving body image and reducing obsessive thoughts through structured therapeutic support.
Orthorexia
An unhealthy fixation on eating “clean” or “healthy” foods that leads to rigid rules and anxiety around meals. Treatment promotes flexibility, balanced nutrition, and a more sustainable relationship with food.
Co-Occurring Disorders
An eating disorder occurring alongside conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Treatment addresses both concerns together to support lasting recovery and emotional stability.
ARFID & Other Disorders
Includes avoidant or restrictive eating patterns and other specified feeding or eating disorders that require individualized treatment approaches.
What Are The Health Consequences?
- Electrolyte imbalances, irregular heartbeats, and heart failure if purging behaviors are present
- Premature osteoporosis
- Peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, and gastric rupture
What Are The Physical Signs and Symptoms?
- Dehydration
- Constipation and abdominal pain
- Intolerance of cold
- Stress fractures (and overuse injuries)
- Absence of menstruation
- Significant weight loss
- Muscle cramps, weakness, or fatigue
- Dental and gum problems
What Are The Behavioral Signs and Symptoms?
- Anxiety and depression
- Claims of “feeling fat” despite being thin
- Excessive exercise
- Excessive use of the restroom
- Difficulty concentrating
- Preoccupation with weight and eating
- Avoidance of eating and eating situations
- Use of laxatives and diet pills
Most Insurances Accepted
We work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans
Our admissions team will verify your insurance benefits at no cost and help you understand your coverage.
Real People, Real Results
Eating Disorder Treatment for Athletes
- Promote healthy avenues for enhancing athletes’ performance, focusing on methods that foster physical strength and mental well-being. It is crucial to ensure that coaches serve as positive influences and refrain from making negative comments about weight. Select coaches who prioritize motivation over body shape and size, while remaining vigilant for warning signs of eating disorders.
- Be mindful of the impact of social influences and teammates. Foster an environment that promotes a positive perspective on weight, diet, and self-image. Encourage a focus on overall health and fitness rather than frequent weigh-ins. Stay attentive to any signs of abnormal or obsessive behaviors related to food or exercise, which may indicate the presence of an eating disorder.
- Promptly seek mental health treatment if an athlete exhibits warning signs of an eating disorder. Alongside providing nutrition education, make resources for eating disorder treatment for athletes readily available when necessary. However, it is essential to recognize that symptoms and their severity can vary among athletes.
- Finally, it is imperative to destigmatize mental health treatment for athletes and eating disorders. Athletes can greatly benefit from timely and appropriate mental health support recommended and encouraged by influential figures within the sports environment. It should not be overlooked or dismissed as a “temporary” symptom, but rather recognized as the potential onset of a life-threatening illness.
Do You Accept Insurance for Eating Disorder Treatment?
Yes. We work with most major PPO insurance plans. Our admissions team offers free insurance verification so you understand your benefits, coverage levels, and any out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment.
How Do I Know Which Eating Disorder Treatment Is Right for Me?
You do not have to decide on your own. We start with a comprehensive clinical assessment that looks at your symptoms, medical needs, mental health history, and recovery goals. Based on that evaluation, we recommend the level of care that provides the right balance of support and independence.
Can I Get a Same-Day or Fast Appointment?
In many cases, yes. We prioritize timely access to care and often offer same-week assessments. Our team works quickly to schedule your intake so you can begin treatment without unnecessary delays.
What Should I Expect During My First Visit?
Your first visit focuses on understanding you, not judging you. You will meet with a licensed clinician who listens to your concerns, reviews your eating patterns and mental health history, and answers your questions. By the end of the visit, you will have a clear next step and treatment plan options.
What Eating Disorders Do You Treat?
We provide treatment for anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other forms of disordered eating. We also address related concerns such as body image distress, anxiety, depression, and trauma that often accompany eating disorders.
Is Your Treatment Approach Short-Term or Long-Term?
Our focus is long-term recovery. Treatment plans are designed to help stabilize eating behaviors while addressing the emotional and psychological drivers behind them. We support you not only during active treatment but also with planning for continued recovery beyond care.
How to Help Put an End to Eating Disorders in Athletes:
Athletes possess unique nutritional requirements distinct from the general population. They must strategically “fuel” their bodies before, during, and after practices and competitions to optimize performance and aid in recovery from intense physical activity. It is important to acknowledge that athletes at various levels, whether elite, high school, college, or professional, approach food differently and may also develop unhealthy relationships with food.
When supporting athletes grappling with disordered eating or exercise behaviors, the individual athlete’s well-being must take precedence over their sport. Effective treatment requires time and commitment, necessitating athletes to focus solely on their recovery without simultaneously engaging in their sport. Though taking a break from the sport to concentrate on treatment and eating disorder recovery may present challenges, doing so significantly enhances an athlete’s chances of safely returning to their chosen sport.
If you or a loved one exhibits signs of struggling with eating habits or weight, initiating the treatment process early is crucial. Our team is specifically trained to address various aspects, including identity issues, performance anxiety, mindfulness, the sporting culture, and transitioning post-career. Reach out to us today at 844-807-0458. Together, we will work towards finding the most suitable path for you—a path that facilitates your recovery, restores the life you deserve, and allows you to reclaim your place in the game.
Resources:
[1] Conviser, J. H., Schlitzer Tierney, A., Nickols, R. (2018). Essential for best practice: treatment approaches for athletes with eating disorders. Journal of Clinical Sports Psychology, 12.
[2] Currie, A. (2010). Sports and eating disorders – understanding and managing the risks.Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 1:2.
Why Choose Eating Disorder Solutions in Dallas?
Eating Disorder Solutions in Dallas offers compassionate, evidence-based care in a peaceful, home-like setting designed to help clients feel safe, supported, and understood. Our multidisciplinary team provides individualized treatment across multiple levels of care, blending clinical excellence with real-world recovery skills that translate beyond treatment. With a strong focus on nutrition, therapy, and long-term healing, we help clients build a sustainable path to recovery, not just short-term progress.
