Relationship between Eating Disorder, Body Fat Percentage, and Physical Activity among Sarawak Female National Athletes
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the eating disorder and physical activity in relation to type of sports and body fat percentages among national female athletes in Sarawak (N=150). Methodology: Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) were employed to measure the eating disorders and physical activity. Anthropometric measurement and body composition (body fat percentage) were obtained. Results: Majority of the athletes were at low risk of an eating disorder (91.4%). Only a few indicated as high risk (8.6%). Moderately active athletes explained higher eating disorders in dieting, bulimia nervosa and food preoccupation. The non-weight sports athletes also exhibited higher eating disorders compared to its counterpart. Younger athletes were at higher eating disorder, but age was not significant in the subscales measured; except for food preoccupation where it was prominent in age 16 to 18 years old. Oral control did not associate with all the independent variables. Some relationships observed between body fat percentage and eating disorder and the subscales. Conclusion: There is a need for coaches’ attention and intervention on these athletes to prevent abnormal eating behavior among the young female athletes. This study highlights interesting findings where the less active athletes and the non-weight sports category athletes exhibit higher eating disorders issues.