Current and former bodybuilders say competitions can promote harmful eating habits and mental health issues.

Angela Williams only took part in one bodybuilding competition, in 2018, but said the weight fluctuations she experienced afterwards caused years of back problems.

"You just see the glitzy, glam photos on stage when people are doing well," she said.

Ms Williams did not feel she received enough education about bodybuilding's physical and mental risks when she competed.

"Some of the organisations probably have disclaimers on their website," she said.

"But I don't think young girls or people who are looking to compete would read the fine print."

Ms Williams is one of several current and former competitors claiming the physical demands of tournaments within Australia's bodybuilding industry make eating disorders common.

Comps mean 'competitive starvation'

Sydney bodybuilder Georgia Kapp knew she had developed an eating disorder because of her competing when she was hiding in a pantry, devouring an entire packet of biscuits in under two minutes.

She had been restricting her food intake for an upcoming competition in 2020, and when it was cancelled, her appetite skyrocketed. 

"I was in the cupboard for a minute-and-a-half, hiding the fact I was finishing a packet of Tim Tams from my partner," Ms Kapp said.

She hid her binge eating from friends and family, which strained her relationships and mental health.

Melbourne strength trainer Geordie Collins lost significant weight in just a few months while preparing for a bodybuilding competition.

He said competitors should be warned about the potential risks.

"It's competitive starvation," Mr Collins said.

"If you've done bodybuilding you can't argue with that."

Competing federations

Australian bodybuilding is governed by several competing federations, most of which are subsidiaries of groups in the United States.

Each federation has codes of conduct and tournament rules.

Ms Williams, Ms Kapp, and Mr Collins have competed for I Compete Natural (ICN) Australia, which is a bodybuilding organisation that abstains from performance-enhancing drugs.

"ICN competitors, therefore, have a strong focus on their health and understand the effects, benefits and outcome of correct exercise and proper nutrition," said ICN Australia president Tony Lanciano.

Mr Lanciano said ICN motivated competitors to focus on personal improvement rather than to "win at all costs", which "may encourage unhealthy practices".

"Anyone wishing to improve their health and fitness can find a place in ICN to participate and compete without resorting to unhealthy practices and/or drugs," he said.

Calls for more support

University of Melbourne senior research fellow Scott Griffiths said more support needed to be made available to competitors, and existing guidelines should be enforced more strictly.

He said bodybuilders must seek help when recognising signs of eating disorders or thoughts.

The Butterfly Foundation, which supports Australians with eating disorders, said competition focusing on appearance and intense exercise could encourage disordered eating.

"Desiring a more muscular body shape can increase body dissatisfaction, which is a major risk factor in development of eating disorders," the charity's Melissa Wilton said.

Ms Williams said people getting into bodybuilding should seek advice from qualified experts to help them compete safely.

"Someone who is genuinely invested in your health and safety and can give you proper advice on how to compete safely."

Bodybuilding organisations World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Australia, the International Natural Bodybuilding Association, and Australasian Natural Bodybuilding have been contacted for comment.