• Eating disorders
• Iron deficiency
• Bone density
• Pregnancy

Eating Disorders

• Irregular patterns of eating are observed in an individual.
• Two common characterizations include:
  • Anorexia – avoiding food due to anxiety related with weight gain/losing fitness.
  • Bulimia – binge eating followed by purging in repeat.
• Commonly seen in sports where low body fat and an ideal physique gives the athlete an edge – gymnastics, diving, ballet.

Iron Deficiency

• Iron is crucial for oxygen transport.
• Females lose iron during menstruation, therefore they need to intake more iron than men.
• Iron levels should be monitored closely in athletes as a deficit could restrict them from participating aerobic-based sports.
• To avoid deficiency, diet supplements can include meat, legumes, green leafy vegetables.

Bone Density

• Dependent on the levels of calcium.
• Females are at more risk of developing osteoporosis as compared to men.
• If calcium levels decrease, bone density decreases as well, making the bones fragile.
• Diet supplements should include calcium sources to prevent osteoporosis and increase bone strength.
• Bone density can also be increased by light weight training and regular exercise. Contact sports are better to avoid.

Pregnancy

• Fitness routines are safe for pregnant athletes, however, they should not include vigorous and intense exercises.
• During pregnancy, exercises help in maintaining cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing.
• The intensity should further be decreased towards the 3rd trimester.
• The athlete should stay hydrated as much as possible, avoid contact sports, and keep check on thermoregulation.