Shawn Johnson Opens Up About Eating Disorder
Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson released a new video discussing her past eating disorder and recovery journey. Johnson described training for the 2008 Olympics while eating as little as 700 calories a day and her eventual path to healthier habits, shedding light on mental health challenges faced by elite athletes.
- Following the 2008 Olympics, Johnson struggled with the transition away from the highly structured life of an elite athlete and gained about 15 pounds, which she considered at the time to be "the worst thing in the entire world." - To lose the weight she had gained after the Olympics, Johnson resorted to taking weight loss pills, including ephedrine and Adderall. - The pressure to maintain a certain physique was so intense that a member of her gymnastics community told her on the day of her all-around Olympic competition that she was "overweight" and wouldn't win because of it. - The prevalence of eating disorders is notably high among elite athletes, with female athletes in aesthetic sports like gymnastics facing a 42% prevalence rate. - Johnson's husband, former NFL player Andrew East, was instrumental in her recovery, providing a supportive environment where she felt she could be open and honest about her struggles for the first time. - In addition to her eating disorder, Johnson has also spoken about experiencing depression and anxiety after her gymnastics career. - After retiring from gymnastics, Johnson co-founded TheBodyDepartment.com, a platform dedicated to healthy conversations about body image, fitness, and wellness. - Johnson has since become a certified personal trainer and has studied nutrition and psychology to foster a healthier approach to health and fitness.
