Research

Energy balance

Female athletes with Anorexia Nervosa (BMI <16.5) or severe Bulimia Nervosa (purging >4 times/week) should be categorically restricted from sports participation due to high mortality and morbidity risks.

If you are a female athlete with a BMI under 16.5 or purging more than 4 times a week, you are not allowed to compete. This is a categorical restriction based on high mortality risk. Focus on getting help from a multidisciplinary team. Return to play is possible only after significant health improvement and clearance.

StrongRefutesVERY_HIGH confidence
Female athletes with anorexia nervosa and a body mass index (BMI) <16.5, and those with bulimia nervosa purging four or more times per day should be categorically restricted from participation in sport.
Elizabeth A. Joy et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2016

Why this rating

Based on consensus statements and clear mortality data cited.

Source

2016 update on eating disorders in athletes: A comprehensive narrative review with a focus on clinical assessment and management

Elizabeth A. Joy et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2016

DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095735

narrative_reviewCited 370×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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