Disorders of the Female Athlete Triad among Collegiate Athletes

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Beals ◽  
Melinda M. Manore
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Female Athlete ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Female Athlete Triad ◽  
Menstrual Irregularity ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Eat 26 ◽  
Or Team

This study examined the prevalence of and relationship between the disorders of the female athlete triad in collegiate athletes participating in aesthetic, endurance, or team/anaerobic sports. Participants were 425 female collegiate athletes from 7 universities across the United States. Disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and musculoskeletal injuries were assessed by a health/medical, dieting and menstrual history questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and the Eating Disorder Inventory Body Dissatisfaction Subscale (EDI-BD). The percentage of athletes reporting a clinical diagnosis of anorexia and bulimia nervosa was 3.3% and 2.3%, respectively; mean (±SD) EAT and EDI-BD scores were 10.6 ± 9.6 and 9.8 ± 7.6, respectively. The percentage of athletes with scores indicating “at-risk” behavior for an eating disorder were 15.2% using the EAT-26 and 32.4% using the EDI-BD. A similar percentage of athletes in aesthetic, endurance, and team/anaerobic sports reported a clinical diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia. However, athletes in aesthetic sports scored higher on the EAT-26 (13.5 ± 10.9) than athletes in endurance (10.0 ± 9.3) or team/anaerobic sports (9.9 ± 9.0, p < .02); and more athletes in aesthetic versus endurance or team/anaerobic sports scored above the EAT-26 cut-off score of 20 (p < .01). Menstrual irregularity was reported by 31% of the athletes not using oral contraceptives, and there were no group differences in the prevalence of self-reported menstrual irregularity. Muscle and bone injuries sustained during the collegiate career were reported by 65.9% and 34.3% of athletes, respectively, and more athletes in aesthetic versus endurance and team/anaerobic sports reported muscle (p = .005) and/or bone injuries (p < .001). Athletes “at risk” for eating disorders more frequently reported menstrual irregularity (p = .004) and sustained more bone injuries (p = .003) during their collegiate career. These data indicate that while the prevalence of clinical eating disorders is low in female collegiate athletes, many are “at risk” for an eating disorder, which places them at increased risk for menstrual irregularity and bone injuries.

scholarly journals FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD PADA ATLET PUTRI DI PUSAT PENDIDIKAN LATIHAN (PUSDIKLAT) RAGUNAN JAKARTA

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 405-413
Author(s):  
Gita Ayu Rosalinda Ratu Saputri ◽  
Fillah Fithra Dieny
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Bone Density ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Female Athlete ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Female Athlete Triad ◽  
Menstrual Irregularity ◽  
And Training

Background: Female athletes tend to consume improper for supporting their performance, so that can impact eating disorder. Eating disorder can lead menstrual irregularity and osteoporosis for them, so they have risk of female athlete triad. The aimed of this study to determine prevalence of female athlete triad in education and training centre (PUSDIKLAT) Ragunan Jakarta. Methods: Descriptive research with cross sectional design, and calculation of total subject used stratified proportional random sampling. The sample was composed of 65 female athletes in Education and Training Center (PUSDIKLAT) Ragunan Jakarta. Data include nutritional status, eating disorder, menstrual disorder, and bone density. Assessment of nutritional status used BMI/A percentile and percent body fat; measurement of percent body fat used body fat analyzer HBF 200; assessment of eating disorder used eating disorder diagnostic scale; measurement of menstrual irregularity used questionnaire including frequency, menstrual cycle, menarche, and menstruation on last 3 months; and measurement of bone density used quantitative ultrasound bone densitometry. Result: Female athlete triad not found on subjects, but 15 subjects (23.1%) had bulimia and 1 subject (1.5%) had menstrual irregularity, i.e oligoamenorrhea, whereas bone density of all subjects (100%) normal, so that only 1 subject (1.5%) had two symptom of female athlete triad (bulimia and oligoamenorrhea).fifty six subjects (86,2%) had normal  nutritional status. Based on fat body percent, that was found 1 subject (1.5%) having underfat, 10 subjects (15.4%) overfat, and 2 subjects (3.1%) obese. Conclusion:Female athlete triad not found in Education and Training Center (PUSDIKLAT) Ragunan Jakarta

Prevalence of Disordered Eating: A Comparison of Male and Female Collegiate Athletes and Nonathletes

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura D. DiPasquale ◽  
Trent A. Petrie
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Division I ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Athletic Departments ◽  
Weight Control Behaviors ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes

Eating disorder prevalence rates among athletes vary greatly because of the different ways in which researchers have measured and classified them, and the extent to which they are higher than those found among nonathletes remains unresolved. The present study examined prevalence of eating disorders, body image issues, and weight control behaviors using a valid diagnostic measure. Participants included 146 male and 156 female NCAA Division I student-athletes and a matched sample of 170 male and 353 female collegiate nonathletes. Overall, eating disorder prevalence rates and use of pathogenic weight control behaviors were lower among nonathletes than athletes. Rates for athletes in the current study were lower than previous studies. These findings are likely due to the lack of anonymity the athletes had when completing questionnaires, as data were collected through athletes’ preseason physicals, whereas nonathletes completed questionnaires anonymously over the Internet. Recommendations for athletic departments’ screening for eating disorders are made.

A Qualitative Analysis of Female Collegiate Athletes’ Eating Disorder Recovery Experiences

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 334-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessyca N. Arthur-Cameselle ◽  
Paula A. Quatromoni
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Recovery Experiences ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Professional Care

The purpose of this study was to characterize recovery experiences of female collegiate athletes who have suffered from eating disorders. Participants were 16 collegiate female athletes who experienced recovery from an eating disorder. Participants told their recovery stories in semistructured interviews regarding factors that initiated, assisted, and hindered recovery. The most common turning point to initiate recovery was experiencing negative consequences from the eating disorder. Factors that most frequently assisted recovery included making cognitive and behavioral changes, supportive relationships, and seeking professional care. Hindering factors most commonly included lack of support from others, professional care complaints, and spending time with others with eating disorders. Results suggested that unique features of the sport environment, including coaches’ behavior and team norms, introduce either positive or negative influences on athletes as they work to recover from an eating disorder. Based on these findings, specific treatment and prevention recommendations for athletes are discussed.

How do lean and non-lean female collegiate athletes view the eating disorder education they receive from their coaches?

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarrod C Hines ◽  
Whitney L Wendorf ◽  
Alexes N Hennen ◽  
Kelsey L Hauser ◽  
Madeline M Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Or Education ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Education Status

Extant research indicates that collegiate coaches often lack the knowledge or confidence required to provide their student–athletes with effective educational experiences related to eating disorders. The current study investigates the prevalence and quality of such experiences from the perspective of lean and non-lean female student–athletes at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III institution. Participants were asked closed- and open-ended questions in an anonymous online survey. Lean and non-lean participants reported similar rates of education despite differential risk for eating disorders. Approximately 70% of student–athletes expressed a desire for a more comprehensive and long-term program of study. Participants’ confidence in identifying an eating disorder in a peer did not differ based on type of sport or education status, but those who were educated identified more appropriate potential symptoms than did those who were uneducated. This indicates some degree of educational effectiveness. However, education status and type of sport had no bearing on the likelihood of a participant speaking with their coach about their own or a peer’s potential disorder. Educational attempts were therefore insufficient to help student–athletes overcome the shame and consequential secrecy associated with eating disorders. Our results underscore the need for effective education for at-risk student–athletes while also clarifying that both lean and non-lean student–athletes often want to receive more comprehensive education about eating disorders. Current findings highlight specific areas of student–athlete interest about the topic and could be used to help coaches revise their educational efforts to enhance engagement and long-term retention of information.

scholarly journals Body Image, Anthropometric Measures, and Eating-Disorder Prevalence in Auxiliary Unit Members

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 418-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni M. Torres-McGehee ◽  
James M. Green ◽  
James D. Leeper ◽  
Deidre Leaver-Dunn ◽  
Mark Richardson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Anthropometric Measurements ◽  
Eating Disorder Risk ◽  
Eat 26 ◽  
Not At Risk ◽  
Auxiliary Unit ◽  
Disorder Risk

Abstract Medical professionals have recognized eating disorders and related problems in competitive athletes. Auxiliary members (color guard, dance, majorettes) experience the same appearance-related pressures observed in sports commonly associated with eating disorders.Context: To estimate eating-disorder prevalence based on associated eating-disorder characteristics and behaviors in female auxiliary members and to compare perceived and ideal body images and anthropometric measurements between at-risk and not–at-risk participants for eating-disorder characteristics and behaviors.Objective: Cross-sectional design.Design: Three universities in the southeastern United States.Setting: Participants (n  =  101, mean age  =  19.2 ± 1.2 years) represented 3 auxiliary units, including color guard (n  =  35), dance line (n  =  47), and majorettes (n  =  19).Patients or Other Participants: Participants self-reported menstrual history, height, and weight. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, body fat percentage, and waist and hip circumferences. We screened for eating-disorder risk behavior with the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26 and for body dissatisfaction with the Figural Stimuli Survey.Main Outcome Measure(s): Based on the EAT-26, we estimated eating-disorder prevalence among members to measure 29.7% (95% confidence interval  =  20.8%, 38.6%). The EAT-26 results revealed that 21% of participants used purgatives and 14% vomited to control weight or shape. The at-risk group had higher scores on the EAT-26 total (P ≤ .01) and on the dieting (P ≤ .01), oral control (P  =  .02), and bulimia (P  =  .01) subscales. Hip circumference (P  =  .01), self-reported weight (P  =  .03), measured weight (P  =  .04), difference between measured and preferred weights (P  =  .02), and calculated target weight (P  =  .02) were different between the at-risk and not–at-risk groups.Results: Collegiate auxiliary unit members may have an unacceptable prevalence of eating disorders. Our results validate concerns that auxiliary members may exhibit an unacceptable eating-disorder risk, highlighting the need to examine and address unhealthy weight-management behaviors independent of eating-disorder status.Conclusions:

scholarly journals The LEAF questionnaire is a good screening tool for the identification of the Female Athlete Triad/Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport among young football players

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12118
Author(s):  
Edyta Łuszczki ◽  
Pawel Jagielski ◽  
Anna Bartosiewicz ◽  
Maciej Kuchciak ◽  
Katarzyna Dereń ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Female Athlete ◽  
Relative Energy ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Female Athlete Triad ◽  
Energy Deficiency ◽  
Not At Risk

Background It has been noticed that Female Athlete Triad (Fat) and Relative Energy Deficiency (Red-S) in Sport are characterized by the symptoms of impaired endocrine-metabolic function and bone health in female athletes. In addition, it may be evaluated with a qualitative tool, such as Low Energy Availability in Females questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and quantitative measurements: bone mineral density (BMD), resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition, 24-hour dietary recall. Methods The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Triad and Red-S using the LEAF-Q in youth female football players. Additionally, the difference in the BMD, body composition, REE and energy intake (EI) were assessed between the Triad/Red-S risk and not at-risk groups. Results Almost two thirds (64.7%) of participants are classified as being at-risk for the triad according to their LEAF-Q scores. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between most of the values among children from the analyzed groups. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the EI values among girls from the two analyzed groups: at-risk (1,773.18 kcal ±  232.57) and not at-risk (2,054.00 kcal ±  191.39). Girls who did not meet the energy intake recommendations were 10.00 as likely to be in the Triad/Red-S risk group. Conclusion Early identification of Fat/Red-S symptoms by screening tools such as the LEAF questionnaire is important in protecting young athletes from long-term damage due to the progression of the risk factors associated with the Fat/Red-S.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Screening Tools to Detect Eating Disorders in Female Athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa J. Wagner ◽  
Casey D. Erickson ◽  
Dayna K. Tierney ◽  
Megan N. Houston ◽  
Cailee E. Welch Bacon
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Clinical Scenario ◽  
Clinical Question ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Questionnaire Version

Clinical Scenario:Eating disorders in female athletes are a commonly underdiagnosed condition. Better screening tools for eating disorders in athletic females could help increase diagnosis and help athletes get the treatment they need.Focused Clinical Question:Should screening tools be used to detect eating disorders in female athletes?Summary of Key Findings:The literature was searched for studies that included information regarding the sensitivity and specificity of screening tools for eating disorders in female athletes. The search returned 5 possible articles related to the clinical question; 3 studies met the inclusion criteria (2 cross-sectional studies, 1 cohort study) and were included. All 3 studies reported sensitivity and specificity for the Athletic Milieu Direct Questionnaire version 2, the Brief Eating Disorder in Athletes Questionnaire version 2, and the Physiologic Screening Test to Detect Eating Disorders Among Female Athletes. All 3 studies found that the respective screening tool was able to accurately identify female athletes with eating disorders; however, the screening tools varied in sensitivity and specificity values.Clinical Bottom Line:There is strong evidence to support the use of screening tools to detect eating disorders in female athletes. Screening tools with higher sensitivity and specificity have demonstrated a successful outcome of determining athletes with eating disorders or at risk for developing an eating disorder.Strength of Recommendation:There is grade A evidence available to demonstrate that screening tools accurately detect female athletes at risk for eating disorders.

Female Athletes in Retirement: A Test of a Psychosocial Model of Bulimic Symptomatology

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 490-499
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Barrett ◽  
Trent A. Petrie
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Division I ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Female Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Psychosocial Model

Although researchers have examined eating disorders in female athletes, few such studies have been done with athletes who are retired, and even fewer have been quantitative. Thus, the authors empirically tested an established eating disorder theoretical model with 218 former NCAA Division-I female collegiate athletes who had been retired for 2–6 years. In retirement, participants completed measures of general sociocultural pressures related to body and appearance, thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, negative affect, and bulimic symptomatology. Through structural equation modeling, the authors examined the direct and indirect relationships among the latent variables while controlling for body mass index and years since retirement. The model fit the data well, supporting the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships among the variables and explaining 54% of the variance in bulimic symptomatology. Despite no longer being exposed to sport pressures that contribute to eating disorders, female athletes experience such symptoms long into retirement.

Advances in Management of the Female Athlete Triad and Eating Disorders

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karie N. Zach ◽  
Ariane L. Smith Machin ◽  
Anne Z. Hoch
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Female Athlete ◽  
Female Athlete Triad
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