This is why anyone commenting on a female athletes weight should be flogged.
As a male it's really hard for me to understand why girls are so sensitive about these things. Why would you want to starve yourself? Why is one's weight so important? Yet these problems are very prevalent with young girls, so obviously it IS a big deal. So I agree with you, Allen. Especially from males it's best to absolutely steer clear of a female's weight.
As a male it's really hard for me to understand why girls are so sensitive about these things. Why would you want to starve yourself? Why is one's weight so important? Yet these problems are very prevalent with young girls, so obviously it IS a big deal. So I agree with you, Allen. Especially from males it's best to absolutely steer clear of a female's weight.
It's not a logical thing. It's about a girls thoughts, perceptions and beliefs, it's linked with self image, self esteem and personal control.
Young women are barraged with images of beautiful women in beauty & fashion ads with that have pro make up artists, great photographers, lighting & are often photoshopped. Some girls desire to look like some unobtainable ideal. they think what other people think is more important than what they think.
There's many types and causes of eating disorders.
National Eating Disorders Association
Wikipedia
It's a dangerous & awful for those who suffer from it.
the solution isn't as easy as just saying EAT MORE.
Unchecked, women can die from it, either by getting too weak and skinny or getting their electrolytes out of whack.
A young woman can be gorgeous and fit, yet perceive herself as fat & ugly. Some feel, if I only lost ___ pounds then I'd be beautiful and happy.
There's different triggers. It can come from a single comment.
When my son was in high school, one of the girl cheerleaders did this infront of other students.
"Thomas lift up your shirt. Dane lift up your shirt.
Then she pointed at Thomas' six pack and said "This is hot" then pointed at my son & said "This is not"
He didn't start an ED from it, but it was hurtful and he actually started working out more, watching what he ate & doing more sit ups. A small comment like that, from someone who doesn't even matter can be damaging.
Some of the female UT swimmers in the 80's & 90's had eating disorders because the coach weighed them each day and punished them, if he felt they were heavy. Today, coaches aren't allowed to discuss weight with female athletes, and have to dance around the topic, with comments like:
"maybe you'd swim faster if you were more fit."
models before and after photoshop
Models Before and after Makeup
models without makeup and photoshop
I hope you never have to deal with a daughter or friend who suffers from an ED.
Today, coaches aren't allowed to discuss weight with female athletes, and have to dance around the topic, with comments like:
"maybe you'd swim faster if you were more fit."
That's not dancing...OK, maybe Elaine Benes from Seinfeld dancing.
hope you never have to deal with a daughter or friend who suffers from an ED.
I agree!
I know there was lots of speculation about Knutson. I sincerely hope she's able to overcome her eating disorder and whatever other demons she faces and find success in or out of the pool. It's sad that so many female athletes seem to be fighting their own bodies.
I know there was lots of speculation about Knutson. I sincerely hope she's able to overcome her eating disorder and whatever other demons she faces and find success in or out of the pool. It's sad that so many female athletes seem to be fighting their own bodies.
Her demise in terms of swimming was a source of speculation for a couple of years. I often wondered what happened given her astonishing early career. Now I understand and it is heart breaking. Whether or not she stays in the pool is mostly irrelevant at this point. I hope she can overcome this terrible problem.
Whether or not she stays in the pool is mostly irrelevant at this point.
Right on. The important thing now is for her to get well. If she can do that and never swims another yard, so be it.
