Prevalence of Subclinical Eating Disorders in Collegiate Female Athletes

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patti L. Williams ◽  
Roger G. Sargent ◽  
Robert F. Valois ◽  
J. Wanzer Drane ◽  
Deborah M. Parra-Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Scholarship Recipients ◽  
Subclinical Eating Disorders ◽  
Eat 26

This study is an examination of eating behaviors and body image concerns among 587 female collegiate athletes from nine colleges/universities representing 14 different sports. Measures included the Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and a questionnaire gathering general demographic information, reasons for dieting and/or using other methods of weight control, as well as information about expressed concerns from others regarding the respondents weight. Three sport groups were hypothesized to be at increased risk: athletes whose performance is subjectively scored; athletes who compete in a sport where a low body weight is considered advantageous; and athletes who must wear body conrevealing clothing. Chi-Square and Logistic Regression analyses revealed no association between these sport groups and the presence of a subclinical eating disorder (SED). Additional analyses determined no statistical association between student-athletes competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level (versus Division II or III level) or student-athletes who were scholarship recipients (versus non-scholarship recipients) and the presence of SED. Student-athletes who have heard expressed concerns from others regarding their body weight were significantly more likely to report the presence of SED (p < .0001). Therefore, special care should be taken with all student-athletes when discussing body weight.

scholarly journals Examining Eating Attitudes and Behaviors in Collegiate Athletes, the Association Between Orthorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy A. Uriegas ◽  
Zachary K. Winkelmann ◽  
Kelly Pritchett ◽  
Toni M. Torres-McGehee
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Orthorexia Nervosa ◽  
Eating Attitude ◽  
Sport Type ◽  
Eat 26

Purpose: Orthorexia nervosa (Orthorexia) is an eating attitude and behavior associated with a fixation on healthy eating, while eating disorders (EDs) are clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders associated with marked disturbances in eating that may cause impairment to psychosocial and physical health. The purpose of this study was to examine risk for Orthorexia and EDs in student-athletes across sex and sport type and determine the association between the two.Methods: Student-athletes (n = 1,090; age: 19.6 ± 1.4 years; females = 756; males = 334) completed a survey including demographics, the ORTO-15 test (&lt;40 and &lt;35 threshold values), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26; &gt;20 score), and additional questions about pathogenic behaviors to screen for EDs.Results: Using a &lt;40 threshold value for the ORTO-15, 67.9% were at risk for Orthorexia, a more restrictive threshold value of &lt;35 determined 17.7% prevalence across student-athletes with significant differences across sex [ &lt;40: χ(1,1,090)2 = 4.914, p = 0.027; &lt;35: χ(1,1,090)2 = 5.923, p = 0.015). Overall, ED risk (EAT-26 and/or pathogenic behavior use) resulted in a 20.9% prevalence, with significant differences across sex (χ2 = 11.360, p &lt; 0.001) and sport-type category (χ2 = 10.312, p = 0.035). Multiple logistic regressions indicated a significant association between EAT-26 subscales scores and Orthorexia, and between Orthorexia positivity, ORTO-15 scores, and risk for EDs.Conclusions: Risk for Orthorexia and ED is present in collegiate student-athletes. While healthy and balanced eating is important, obsessive healthy eating fixations may increase the risk for EDs in athletes. More education and awareness are warranted to minimize the risk for Orthorexia and EDs in student-athletes.

scholarly journals Disordered Eating in Collegiate Athletes: Prevalence and Relationships Between Sub-Threshold Behaviors and Body Composition (P23-007-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Apsey ◽  
John Gieng ◽  
Giselle Pignotti ◽  
Kasuen Mauldin ◽  
Kiley Field
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Fat Mass ◽  
Lean Mass ◽  
Student Athletes ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Eat 26

Abstract Objectives Disordered eating (DE), although subclinical, increases the risk for clinical eating disorders and is prevalent in collegiate athletes. At the same time, athletes are often more aware of and therefore behave in ways that modify their body composition, as it can influence performance. Despite this understanding, relevant data is lacking and therefore research is needed to establish prevalence rates within specific collegiate sports, and to better understand the relationships between DE behaviors and body composition in student athletes. Therefore, the aims of this study were 1) to determine the prevalence of DE among collegiate athletes and 2) to determine the relationship between prevalence of DE behaviors and body composition. Methods NCAA Division 1 student athletes (n = 56) during the 2018–2019 academic year were recruited from various sports: football (n = 13), men's soccer (n = 2), women's soccer, (n = 13), women's swimming (n = 12), women's basketball (n = 12), track and field (n = 4), and gymnastics (n = 8). DE was assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) questionnaire, which classified athletes as either asymptomatic (EAT-26 < 20) or symptomatic (EAT-26 > 20). Height and weight were measured and % body fat, fat mass and lean mass were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results Athlete ages ranged between 18–22 years, 71% (n = 40) identified as female, and their mean BMI was 25.4 kg/m2. No athletes met criteria to be classified as symptomatic for DE (EAT-26 range: 0 to 15). Female athletes had higher mean EAT-26 scores than males (5.6 ± 3.8 vs 2.9 ± 2.1, P = 0.008). Gymnastics had the highest mean EAT-26 score (7.3 ± 3.9) and football had the lowest (3.4 ± 3.5). Although there were no correlations between EAT-26 and % body fat (P = 0.345) or fat mass (P = 0.984), it was negatively correlated with lean mass (P = 0.038). Conclusions In contrast to current research, no athletes were at risk for disordered eating. Despite this, the fact that asymptomatic EAT-26 scores (which assesses prevalence of DE behavior) were still inversely correlated with lean mass, prompts a need for further research to clarify these interactions in collegiate athletes. Funding Sources N/A.

Behavioral, Psychological, and Physical Characteristics of Female Athletes with Subclinical Eating Disorders

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Beals ◽  
Melinda M. Manore
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Physical Characteristics ◽  
The Body ◽  
Menstrual Dysfunction ◽  
Subclinical Eating Disorders ◽  
Disordered Eating Patterns

The purpose of this study was to delineate and further define the behavioral, psychological, and physical characteristics of female athletes with subclinical eating disorders. Subjects consisted of 24 athletes with subclinical eating disorders (SCED) and 24 control athletes. Group classification was determined by scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and a symptom checklist for eating disorders (EDI-SC). Characteristics representative of the female athletes with subclinical eating disorders were derived from an extensive health and dieting history questionnaire and an in-depth interview (the Eating Disorder Examination). Energy intake and expenditure (kcal/d) were estimated using 7-day weighed food records and activity logs. The characteristics most common in the female athletes with subclinical eating disorders included: (a) preoccupation with food, energy intake, and body weight; (b) distorted body image and body weight dissatisfaction; (c) undue influence of body weight on self-evaluation; (d) intense fear of gaining weight even though at or slightly below (-5%) normal weight; (e) attempts to lose weight using one or more pathogenic weight control methods; (g) food intake governed by strict dietary rules, accompanied by extreme feelings of guilt and self-hatred upon breaking a rule; (h) absence of medical disorder to explain energy restriction, weight loss, or maintenance of low body weight; and (i) menstrual dysfunction. Awareness of these characteristics may aid in more timely identification and treatment of female athletes with disordered eating patterns and, perhaps, prevent the development of more serious, clinical eating disorders.

scholarly journals Pre-participation gynecological evaluation of female athletes: a new proposal

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tathiana Rebizzi Parmigiano ◽  
Eliana Viana Monteiro Zucchi ◽  
Maíta Poli de Araujo ◽  
Camila Santa Cruz Guindalini ◽  
Rodrigo de Aquino Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Female Athlete Triad ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
International Consultation ◽  
Gynecological Examination ◽  
Increased Risk

Objective To propose the inclusion of a gynecological investigation during the evaluation of athletes before competitions, using a specific instrument called the Pre-participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE).Methods The study assessed 148 athletes, mean age of 15.4±2.0 years, who engaged in eight different sports modalities, and who responded to a questionnaire named Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination (PPGE), to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (for urinary loss), and to the Eating Attitudes Test (for eating disorders).Results Fifty percent of the participants reported irregular menstrual intervals, 23.0% did not know about sexually transmitted diseases, and 72.4% denied having, at least, an annual gynecological appointment. The study identified 18.2% who had urinary loss, and 15% presented with an increased risk of eating disorders. Moreover, 89.9% were not familiar with the occurrence of urinary incontinence in athletes and did not know that they were susceptible to the female athlete triad. A total of 87.1% of them stated that would not mention these issues to their coaches even if this would improve their health or performance.Conclusion The Pre-Participation Gynecological Examination can be considered an easy-to-apply instrument that allowed the diagnosis of alterations often underestimated by the athletes themselves. After its application, the alterations were identified, and determined the athletes’ referral to appropriate evaluation and treatment.

scholarly journals Feasibility of Using Satter's How to Eat Method to Improve Eating Competence Among Previous Dieters in a Metropolitan Hospital System Employee Wellness Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1307-1307
Author(s):  
Cristen Harris ◽  
Pam Estes ◽  
Ellyn Satter
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Employee Health ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
Hospital System ◽  
Eating Competence ◽  
Metropolitan Hospital ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eat 26

Abstract Objectives For a subset of dieters, the pursuit of thinness may be harmful. In contrast, eating competence is associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes. This single-arm, pilot intervention study evaluated changes in eating competence and symptoms of eating disorders among previous dieters employed in a metropolitan hospital system who participated in the How to Eat program. Methods Participants were adult employees of the hospital system who self-identified as previous dieters, and voluntarily enrolled in How to Eat on a rolling basis over a six-year period during employee health promotion offerings. How to Eat, offered weekly in a group setting over 10 sessions, is grounded in the validated Eating Competence model, and measured by the ecSI 2.0™, which defines eating competence as comprised of four domains: 1) eating attitudes; 2) food acceptance; 3) food management/contextual skills; and 4) internal regulation of eating based on hunger, appetite and satisfaction. A total score on the ecSI 2.0™ of at least 32 (of 48 possible) indicates eating competence. Symptoms of eating disorders were evaluated with the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Paired t-Tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for analyses. Results 43 adults participated, averaged 47.5 years (SD = 10.7), 210 lbs. (SD = 30.9), and were primarily female (95.3%) and white (90.7%). From pre- to post-program, How to Eat was associated with significant changes in scores on the total ecSI 2.0™ (t(42) = 12.20, P &lt; 0.001), each of its subscales, and the EAT-26 (t(42) = 6.53, P &lt; 0.001). Pre-program, the mean ecSI 2.0™ total score was 22.8 (SD = 6.5) and 9.3% (N = 4) of participants were considered eating competent. Post-program, the mean ecSI 2.0™ total score was 34.3 (SD = 4.9) and 100% (N = 43) of participants were classified as eating competent. Mean EAT-26 total scores decreased from 10.7 (SD = 8.1) to 3.7 (SD = 2.9). Body weight was not significantly influenced by the intervention (t(21) = 0.314, P = 0.757). Conclusions How to Eat may be associated with improvements in measures of eating competence and eating disorder symptoms among previous dieters participating in an employee health program despite no significant change in body weight. Experimental research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and additional health-related outcomes of How to Eat among diverse populations and other settings. Funding Sources None.

The Prevalence and Consequences of Subclinical Eating Disorders in Female Athletes

1994 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Beals ◽  
Melinda M. Manore
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Restrictive Eating ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Chronic Dieting ◽  
Subclinical Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Athletica

A growing body of evidence suggests that the prevalence of eating disorders and excessive concerns regarding body weight in certain subpopulations of female athletes are increasing. The pressure on female athletes to improve their performances and physiques, coupled with the general sociocultural demand placed on all women to be thin, often results in attempts to achieve unrealistic body size and body weight goals. For some female athletes the pressure to achieve and maintain a low body weight leads to potentially harmful patterns of restrictive eating or chronic dieting. This paper seeks to further delineate the characteristics of a recently identified subclinical eating disorder in female athletes:anorexia athletica. Research studies that support the existence of subclinical eating disorders will be reviewed. In addition, the possible physiological and psychological consequences of subclinical eating disorders will be explored.

scholarly journals Body composition as indicator of eating disorders in female students

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-150
Author(s):  
Olivera Pilipović-Spasojević ◽  
Nenad Ponorac ◽  
Mira Spremo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Female Students ◽  
The Body ◽  
Youden Index ◽  
Eat 26

Introduction. The transition to university education as a stressful period and the need to be likeable where physical appearance is concerned can be a trigger for a change in attitudes towards eating patterns. Body composition is an essential component of nutritional status and the most common parameter used as an indicator of physical appearance. An unobtrusive onset of eating disorder can easily lead to a preoccupation with eating and body weight. The aim of the paper is to determine whether the parameters of body composition can qualitatively detect respondents with eating disorders. Methods. The epidemiological observational and analytical study included a representative sample comprised of 408 healthy female students, aged 19-22 years. A short socio-demographic questionnaire, a standardized questionnaire for assessment of eating disorders-Eating Attitudes Test-26 were used in the study while Omron BF 510 was used for anthropometric measurements of body weight and BMI. Results. The sample consisted of female students: agedmean = 20.5 years, with average height 168.65 cm (SD = 6.01), body weight 63.09 kg (SD = 9.9) and BMI 22.1 (SD = 3.2). According to EAT-26 (Mean = 13.24 and SD = 7.97), 16.7% of respondents with risk factors for eating disorders were detected. Conclusion. The maximum value of the Youden index of 0.24 ROC analysis confirms that the body composition parameters are not reliable indicators of eating disorders and EAT-26 is not reliable and acceptable as an independent test for assessing risk factors by means of considering different attitudes and deviant eating behaviors. Therefore, in order to achieve detection, monitoring, and perform preventive action, it is necessary to conduct regular systematic examinations among the student population.

scholarly journals Differences in attitudes, behaviours and beliefs towards eating between female bodybuilding athletes and non-athletes, and the implications for eating disorders and disordered eating

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Money-Taylor ◽  
Nick Dobbin ◽  
Rebecca Gregg ◽  
Joseph J. Matthews ◽  
Ozcan Esen
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Eating Attitude ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eat 26

Abstract Background Female athletes participating in sports emphasising aesthetics are potentially more prone to developing disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (EDs) than non-athletes, males, and those participating in sports with less emphasis on leanness. Despite this, female bodybuilding athletes have received little attention. Aim To investigate differences in eating attitudes, behaviours and beliefs in female bodybuilding athletes and a non-athlete group. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used with the eating attitude test-26 (EAT-26) distributed to 75 women (49.3% bodybuilding athletes; 50.7% non-athletes) and the female athlete screening tool (FAST) distributed to the female bodybuilding group only. Results Demographic characteristics revealed no significant difference in age, stature or body mass index (P = 0.106 to 0.173), though differences in body mass were evident (P = 0.0001 to 0.042). Bodybuilding athletes scored significantly higher (P = 0.001) than non-athletes on the EAT-26 questionnaire, with significantly more athletes (56.8%) being labelled as ‘at risk’ of an ED than non-athletes (23.7%, P = 0.001). Responses to the FAST questionnaire indicated female bodybuilding athletes have high preoccupation with their body mass; engage in exercise to alter their body mass; and disclosed negative perceptions of themselves. Conclusion In all, female bodybuilding athletes demonstrate behaviours associated with DE and EDs as well as a preoccupation with nutrition intake, exercise, and strategies to alter their appearance. These findings have important implications for those managing female bodybuilding athletes such as strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, nutritionist and dietitians with respect to detecting DE and EDs as well as minimising the risk factors.

scholarly journals Eating Disorders in Top Elite Beach Handball Players: Cross Sectional Study

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez ◽  
Manuel Vicente-Martínez ◽  
Javier Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
Laura Miralles-Amorós ◽  
María Martínez-Olcina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eat 26

(1) Background: The preoccupation with the increasing appearance of eating disorders (ED) in athletes continues to grow, especially in athletes who practice team sports. ED severely affects the eating habits of the athletes, who tend to use unhealthy approaches to control their body weight. The development of nutritional education and early interventions by training staff is essential, and these factors are widely perceived as beneficial in sports medicine. This study evaluates the frequency at which beach handball (BH) players develop ED, also comparing the differences by sex and age (junior: adolescents vs. senior: young adults). In addition, the relation between body composition variables and ED was studied. (2) Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 69 top elite handball players (36 males and 33 females) from the Spanish National BH Team; who were separated by age (junior: adolescents and senior: young adults). The athletes completed the Eating Attitudes Test in its 26 item version (EAT-26). (3) Results: The prevalence of ED indicated that 11% of females had a high possibility of developing an ED, and 3% of males. Regarding the EAT-26 total score and subscales, no significant differences were found between female and male participants, or between the junior and senior categories. The correlations showed an association between body composition, in terms of body mass index, and the EAT-26 total score in both males and females. In the case of males, the correlation was negative. (4) Conclusions: Although there are no significant differences between sex or categories, it has been found that elite athletes are a population that is at high risk of developing ED.

scholarly journals Eating disorders among health science students at a university in southern Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza do Nascimento Ghizoni Pereira ◽  
Fabiana Schuelter Trevisol ◽  
João Quevedo ◽  
Luciano Kurtz Jornada
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
University Students ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Health Science Students ◽  
Weight Loss Strategies ◽  
Eat 26

OBJECTIVES: To analyze eating disorders among female university students and to assess the frequency of bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and inappropriate weight loss strategies in this population. METHODS: The sample comprised 214 female university students attending different health science programs at a university in southern Brazil, aged over 18 years, assessed using self-administered questionnaires. The 26-item version of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE), and a supplementary questionnaire covering data on weight status and inappropriate weight loss strategies were used to assess dietary abnormalities. RESULTS: Mean age (± standard deviation) was 21±9.93 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.1±2.59. Among the respondents, 72.9% said they would like to weigh less, 29% reported the use of different weight loss methods (diuretics were the most common, followed by laxatives, amphetamine-derived drugs, and self-induced vomiting). With regard to EAT-26 scores, 22.4% (95%CI 17.7-27.1) revealed abnormal feeding patterns; BITE indicated that 9.8% (95%CI 6.5-13.1) were at risk for developing bulimia and 36.9% (95%CI 31.5-42.3) required clinical evaluation. Mean BMI was lower among students with normal scores on both tests, but no association was found between BMI and satisfaction with own weight. CONCLUSION: There was a strong trend toward eating disorders in the health science students assessed, as demonstrated by EAT-26 and BITE scores; inadequate weight loss strategies are frequently used as well.

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