The Challenges Behind the Trophy

the hidden struggle of cheerleaders with body image and eating disorders 

As a former cheerleader and current dietetic student, I have firsthand experience with cheerleading’s intense physical and mental demands. Cheerleading is often underestimated and dismissed as a solely aesthetic performance rather than an extreme athletic endeavor. The reality is that it requires immense strength, endurance, precision, and grit, just like any other sport. However, a recent study, Investigation of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Female Competitive Cheerleaders, illuminates an alarming issue within the sport: the significant risk of eating disorders (EDs and body image dissatisfaction (BID) among cheerleaders.

The Pressure of The Sport

Cheerleading is unique in blending elements of eye-catching performance, gravity-defying gymnastics, and team-based competition. The emphasis on appearance for the sake of uniform presentation and audience appeal places additional pressure on athletes to maintain a particular body type. The study found that 34.3% of surveyed cheerleaders were at risk for ED, with college cheerleaders demonstrating a significantly higher risk than the majority of younger All-Star cheerleaders (41.0% to 27.6%). As someone who has trained alongside flyers, bases, and back sports and has been in two of those positions, I understand how roles within a team influence body perception. Flyers, in particular, are often expected to be the smallest and lightest on the team, which can lead to dangerous weight-control behaviors. While the study found no significant difference in ED risk between positions, the culture surrounding the sport reinforces the ideology that smaller is better, especially for those thrown in the air.

Uniform and Body Image

One of the most striking findings in the study was the impact of uniforms on body image. Cheerleaders reported feeling the most dissatisfaction with their bodies while wearing midriff uniforms compared to daily clothing or full-length uniforms. Midriff uniforms are very common in the culture of cheerleading, from all-star to college to professional cheerleading teams. This also aligns with my personal experiences and observations; when our stomachs were exposed, we all became hyper-aware of every flaw, curve, lack of curves, and deviation from the “ideal” cheer body. The pressure to look “performance ready” can always contribute to restrictive eating habits, excessive exercise, or reliance on weight control supplements, all of which were reported among study participants.

Influence of Coaches, Parents, and Peers

Beyond personal insecurities, social influences play a major role in a cheerleader's body image. The study highlighted meta-perceptions, or how cheerleaders believe others perceive their bodies. The biggest discrepancy was found between perceived and desired body image from the coaches' perspective. Cheerleaders felt that their coaches wanted them to be smaller, reinforcing unhealthy body expectations. There is a big disconnect between what the coaches deem ideal body types and the perception that the cheerleaders get from the coaches. As a nutrition and dietetics student, I recognize the danger of those perceptions. Young athletes are highly impressionable, and pressure from authority figures, whether coaches, parents, or peers such as team captains, can have long-term consequences on self-esteem and eating behaviors.

Where Do We Go From Here?

This study underscores the urgent need for change within the sport of cheerleading and its culture. Education about proper nutrition and body image resilience should be the first step and integrated into training programs. Coaches, athletic trainers, team captains, and parents must be aware of the impact their words and expectations have on athletes. Uniform policies should be reconsidered to prioritize comfort and confidence over outdated traditions.

As a future dietitian, I am passionate about promoting a healthier, more balanced approach to sports nutrition. Cheerleaders deserve to be recognized for their athleticism, not just their appearance. By fostering an environment that values performance over size, we can help prevent the disordered eating patterns plaguing many athletes in aesthetic sports.

Conclusion

Cheerleading shaped me into the disciplined, driven person I am today. I have a deep love for the sport of cheerleading. But I would be remiss if I didn't mention the sport simultaneously exposed me to a culture where body image struggles were normalized. Studies like this highlight the need for systematic change so that future generations of cheerleaders can thrive, both physically and mentally, without sacrificing their health for the sake of the sport.

Reference

Smith, A. B., Gay, J. L., Monsma, E. V., Arent, S. M., Sarzynski, M. A., Emerson, D. M., & Torres-McGehee, T. M. (2022). Investigation of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Female Competitive Cheerleaders. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(4), 2196. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042196