Disordered eating and the female athlete triad.

Female athletes are under intense pressure to have a low percentage of body fat for performance, which may result in a vulnerable athlete resorting to disordered eating, developing amenorrhea, and suffering the consequences of osteoporosis. Prevention of disordered eating practices among female athletes requires a de-emphasis of a low percentage of body fat and a good nutrition education program. The female athlete triad is a serious syndrome that requires a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.