We’ve all heard the old adage “You are what you eat.” But for climbers, perhaps it should be more aptly stated as “You can climb what you eat.” Recent studies have brought to light a staggering reality – a whopping 82% of young climbers are not nourishing their bodies with enough calories, while 86% are falling short on their carbohydrate intake. This has a significant impact on their health and athletic performance, and it’s a problem that’s becoming increasingly noticeable, like a shadow creeping over a mountain at sunset.
The allure of diet restriction and the pursuit of a certain body image has, regrettably, painted under-eating as a noble pursuit within the climbing community. But the harsh reality is that it’s taking a toll on climbers, not just physically but mentally as well. Research has laid bare the staggering truth – climbers who are not nourishing their bodies with enough calories are subjecting themselves to the perilous risk of developing eating disorders.
It’s hardly surprising that climbers have found themselves ensnared in this predicament. With the pressure of striving for peak performance and the prominence of elite climbers with their enviable physiques, it’s easy to understand why some may be led to believe that being lighter equates to being a better climber. But as we have come to understand, this mindset can lead to dire consequences, like a treacherous path fraught with hidden dangers.
The accounts of climbers such as Kai Lightner and Emily Harrington, paired with the findings of diligent researchers, have brought to the fore the fact that an obsession with body weight and diet can exponentially increase the odds of developing an eating disorder within the climbing community. These ongoing struggles with food and body image are not merely a fleeting fad – they pose a genuine threat to the health and wellbeing of climbers.
Moreover, the implications of under-eating on female climbers are of particular concern. Studies have illuminated the disquieting truth – a significant proportion of female climbers are at risk of disordered eating, with some experiencing menstrual irregularities and exhibiting a lower than advisable body mass index.
It’s indisputable that the issue of under-eating and eating disorders looms large within the climbing community. From the pressures of performance to the societal influences on body image, many climbers find themselves grappling with these formidable challenges.
But it’s not all despondency and despair. There are avenues through which climbers can ensure they are providing their bodies with the sustenance they require to support their climbing pursuits. By being mindful of their caloric intake and attuned to their body’s needs, climbers can more effectively fuel themselves for their athletic endeavours.
To estimate their caloric needs, climbers can employ metabolic equivalents to ascertain their energy expenditure during climbing. By factoring in their weight and the level of exertion, climbers can garner a general understanding of the calories they are expending while scaling the walls. It’s a simple yet potent method to gauge their energy requirements.
Moreover, it’s vital for climbers to shift the focus away from weight loss and instead embrace an impartial approach to their dietary choices and body image. By recalibrating the conversation around nutrition and climbing, we can construct a more salubrious environment for climbers to flourish within.
Ultimately, the wellbeing of climbers should take precedence over any extraneous pressures or expectations. By acknowledging the significance of proper nutrition and confronting the hurdles that confront climbers, we can forge a path towards a more robust and supportive climbing community.
Marisa Michael, a board-certified sports dietitian, underscores the importance of climbers being attuned to their nutritional needs. Her proficiency in sports nutrition and her unwavering commitment to assisting climbers with their dietary needs are invaluable resources for those in search of guidance on their nutritional odyssey.
Now more than ever, it’s imperative for climbers to give precedence to their health and wellbeing, both within and beyond the walls. As the climbing community continues to burgeon, it is pivotal that we cultivate an environment where climbers are able to thrive, not only physically but also mentally. Let’s thrust climbing nutrition to the fore and ensure that all climbers are provided with the support they require to fuel their escapades.
