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 (<40 and <35 threshold values), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26; >20 score), and additional questions about pathogenic behaviors to screen for EDs.Results: Using a <40 threshold value for the ORTO-15, 67.9% were at risk for Orthorexia, a more restrictive threshold value of <35 determined 17.7% prevalence across student-athletes with significant differences across sex [ <40: χ(1,1,090)2 = 4.914, p = 0.027; <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 < 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.

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 Orthorexia Nervosa: Examining Two Self-Report Measures and the Predictors of Orthorexic Symptoms in Elite and Recreational Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1295-1295
Author(s):  
Kyriaki Myrissa ◽  
Laura Jackson ◽  
Eirini Kelaiditi
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Orthorexia Nervosa ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Eat 26

Abstract Objectives Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterised by a pathological fixation on healthy eating. Athletes strive for athletic performance through restricted dietary habits which may lead to the presence of ON symptoms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying structures of two self-report measures of ON, assess differences in ON symptoms between elite and recreational athletes, and determine potential predictors of ON symptomatology. Methods Cross-sectional study of 215 elite (n = 59; mean age 26.71 ± 6.83 years) and recreational athletes (n = 156; mean age 36.13 ± 14.33 years) completed the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS), Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ), Short Form Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFFQ), Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and the Hewitt-Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale Short Form (HF-MPS-SF). Results Factor analysis revealed two-factor structures for both the TOS and the EHQ. Elite athletes exhibited higher scores for ‘healthy orthorexia’ (HeOr) (P = .016), ‘knowledge of healthy eating’ (P = .038) (EHQ-Knowledge), diet quality score (DQS) (P = .013) and self-orientated perfectionism scores (P = .032) compared to recreational athletes. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed DQS to be a consistent and significant predictor of all ON symptoms (both TOS and EHQ). BMI was negatively associated with HeOr (β = –.21, P &lt; .001). EAT-26 dieting, bulimia and oral subscales predicted ‘orthorexia nervosa’ (OrNe; smallest P = .015) and ‘problems associated with healthy eating’ (EHQ-Problems; smallest P = .012). Other-orientated perfectionism (OOP) was the only perfectionism construct to predict HeOr (β = .23, P &lt; .01), EHQ-Knowledge (β = .34, P &lt; .001), EHQ-Problems (β = .18, P &lt; .01) and EHQ-Total (β = .27, P &lt; .001). Conclusions Findings suggest TOS is a reliable measure of ON symptomatology in athletes and further refinement of the EHQ is required. Improvements in assessment tools, study methodology and classification of athlete characteristics are required to advance our understanding of ON in athlete populations. Funding Sources None.

scholarly journals P183 Risk of eating disorders in italian children and adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: results of a multicenter nationwide study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S254-S254
Author(s):  
S Gatti ◽  
M Vallorani ◽  
E Zoppi ◽  
G Palego ◽  
M Aloi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Enteral Nutrition ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Eating Attitude ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Exclusion Diet ◽  
Eat 26

Abstract Background The prevalence and risk of Eating Disorders (ED) in IBD, despite the potential overlap of these two conditions, have been rarely reported. ED diagnosis should be considered in patients with IBD and multidisciplinary approach would be recommended in these complex cases to provide an adequate therapeutic intervention. Screening tools to evaluate eating attitudes and behaviours in patients with IBD could be used in daily practice, as for example the Eating Attitude Test – 26 Methods Children and adolescents (8–18 years) with IBD and age and gender matched healthy controls were prospectively enrolled in 5 italian pediatric IBD units between June 2019 and August 2020. Subjects with an existing diagnosis of ED were excluded. The risk of ED was assessed using a 26 points Likert scale screening tool (CH-EAT-26 and EAT-26 for children &lt; and &gt; 14 years respectively), with a total score of 20 or above indicating a risk for ED. Correlations between clinical and disease’s parameters and the CH-EAT-26/EAT-26 score were calculated Results 110 patients with IBD and 110 age and matched healthy controls were screened with the CH-EAT26/EAT-26 questionnaire. The total EAT26 scores and the prevalence of an at-risk score (score&gt;20) did not differ in IBD subjects compared to controls. IBD patients were more frequently on an exclusion diet with lactose free-diet being the most common regimen. Furthermore, 8.1% of IBD children was on a partial enteral nutrition (PEN). In IBD subjects elevated scores on the Ch-EAT26/EAT-26 were associated with being younger (r=-0,2226, p=0.002), following an exclusion diet (r=0.25, p=0.009) and a partial enteral nutrition (PEN: r=0,2507, p=0.009). Type, duration and activity of disease, gender, weight, height and BMI z-scores were not significantly correlated to the CHEAT26/EAT-26 score. Being on a PEN and following an exclusion diet were the only independents factors influencing the EAT26 score at the multiple regression analysis (p= 0,004; p= 0,034; R2 = 0,25) Conclusion Our results indicate that 5.45% of IBD children have a behavior at risk for developing an ED, a percentage that is not statistically different compared to healthy controls. A particular follow-up should be reserved to patients on restricted diets and on partial enteral nutrition, that can develop maladaptive attitudes toward eating. The development of a disease specific tool or a validation of pre-existing questionnaires would help to identify a robust screening instrument and ultimately to correctly classify the risk of patients. Once the risk is correctly assessed it is mandatory to address the patient to a specific multidisciplinary follow-up.

Nutritional status, Healthy Eating Index and eating attitudes of the adolescents in Istanbul: a cross-sectional study

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Binnur Okan Bakir ◽  
Hulya Akan ◽  
Mehmet Akman ◽  
Oguzhan Zahmacioglu ◽  
Osman Hayran
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Eating Attitude ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Eating Attitude Test ◽  
Attitude Test ◽  
Quality Diet ◽  
Eat 26

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary quality of adolescents by using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and to assess their eating attitudes by the EAT-26 Eating Attitude Test. Methods: Eight schools; four primary schools and four secondary schools were randomly selected from the school list of official website of Istanbul Education National Directorate. Five hundred and ninety-eight students who met the inclusion criteria included in the study, 24 h dietary recalls were collected to calculate their HEI scores and eating attitudes were evaluated by EAT-26 Eating Attitude Test. Their weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Results: According to HEI scores, only two (0.3%) of adolescents had high quality diet, 379 (63.4%) had diet quality that needed improvement and 217 (36.3%) had poor diet. Regarding Eating Attitude Test scores, 513 (85.8%) had normal attitudes regarding eating behaviors. Conclusion: Almost all of the participants need either development or major changes in their eating behaviors. Interventions aiming high quality diet among adolescents are strongly recommended.

scholarly journals Validation of the Disordered Eating Attitude Scale for adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marle S. Alvarenga ◽  
Priscila Koritar ◽  
Vanessa D. Pinzon ◽  
Manoela Figueiredo ◽  
Bacy Fleitlich-Bilyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Disordered Eating ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Eating Attitude ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Eat 26 ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

ABSTRACT Objective To perform the psychometric evaluation of the Disordered Eating Attitude Scale (DEAS) for adolescents. Methods Sample consisted of 1,119 Brazilian adolescents (12-18 years old; 59.6% female) studying at technical schools in São Paulo state-Brazil, who answered an online survey with the DEAS, the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), and the Restraint Scale (RS). The internal consistency of the DEAS was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The convergent validity of DEAS was evaluated by means of Pearson’s coefficient correlation with EAT-26 and RS. The test-retest reliability was evaluated using a sub-sample of 61 adolescents. Known-groups validity was determined by comparing female student mean scores with scores of 33 female adolescents with eating disorders. Results The reliability of the DEAS was 0.79. EAT-26 and RS scores were positively correlated with DEAS scores (EAT: 0.78 for females and 0.59 for males, p < 0.001; RS: 0.63 for females and 0.48 for males, p < 0.001). The DEAS total and subscale scores differentiated students and patients with eating disorders (p < 0.001). The intra-class correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.87. Conclusion Results indicate that the DEAS adolescent version showed good internal consistency, convergent validity, known-groups validity, and test-retest reliability, suggesting its potential in identifying disordered eating attitudes among adolescents. It could also be helpful in identifying adolescents at risk from eating disorders, assisting in prevention programs.

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.

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.

Zinc-specific Food Frequency Questionnaire To Assess College Women’s Eating Habits

2009 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 204-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet M. Lacey ◽  
Deanne U. Zotter
Keyword(s):  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Eating Behaviour ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Eating Attitude ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Eat 26

Zinc deficiency has been reported in individuals with eating disorders, the risks of which increase during the adolescent and early adult years. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) specific for zinc-rich foods was tested for its usefulness in identifying problematic eating behaviour tendencies in college-age women. Ninety-two female students enrolled in a university introductory psychology course volunteered to complete demographic information, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and a zinc-specific FFQ (ZnFFQ). Relationships among estimated zinc intakes, food/lifestyle habits, and eating attitude variables were examined. Twenty-five women had estimated intakes below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc. Individuals in the highest zinc intake group (over twice the RDA) had a tendency to score higher on the EAT-26 and the bulimia subscale. Vegetarians also scored high on the EAT-26. Although our data are limited, the ZnFFQ should be studied further to determine whether it could play a useful role in identifying individuals at risk for bulimia. The ZnFFQ is a simple, non-confrontational assessment tool and may be a helpful starting point for identifying women with unhealthy eating habits.

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