Malnutrition in a compulsive runner: A case conference

William O. Roberts, Diane L. Elliot

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

A 28-yr-old, female marathon and “fitness” runner presented with leg swelling, fatigue, and loss of endurance. She was running an hour or more daily in addition to regular biking and swimming. She was an instructor in a fitness center. For 2 months prior to her leg swelling, she had increased fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance. She had been seen previously for a slow healing hamstring strain. She had not had a menstrual period for over 2 yr and had refused evaluation. She admitted to very low dietary intake, which she had always denied. She was worried about her body fat. She denied recent blood loss, diuretic or cathartic use, and induced vomiting. She appeared malnourished, pale, and older than her stated age. Her weight was 41.4 kg. Her blood pressure was 90/60, and her pulse was 100 per minute. She had pitting edema of the lower extremities to the knees. The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa was made and will be discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)513-516
Number of pages4
JournalMedicine and science in sports and exercise
Volume23
Issue number5
StatePublished - May 1991

Keywords

  • Amenorrhea
  • Compulsive exercise
  • Malnutrition
  • Rex1a nervosa

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Malnutrition in a compulsive runner: A case conference'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this