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Female athletes and eating problems: a meta-analysis.

L Smolak1, S K Murnen, A E Ruble

  • 1Department of Psychology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH 43022, USA. smolak@kenyon.edu

The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|April 1, 2000
PubMed
Summary
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Athletic participation presents a dual risk and protective factor for eating problems. While some sports increase risk, especially for elite athletes, others may offer protection, particularly for nonelite athletes.

Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Eating disorders are a significant public health concern.
  • Athletic participation is common among women and may influence mental health outcomes.
  • Previous research suggests a complex relationship between sports and eating problems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To meta-analyze the relationship between athletic participation and eating problems.
  • To identify risk and protective factors associated with sports involvement.
  • To examine sport-specific, elite status, and age-related differences.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of 34 studies.
  • Examination of overall and specific relationships.
  • Inclusion of data across various sports, elite levels, and age groups.

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Main Results:

  • Athletes showed a slightly higher risk for eating problems compared to nonathletes, notably dancers.
  • Elite athletes in thinness-emphasizing sports were at increased risk.
  • Nonelite athletes, particularly high school students, demonstrated reduced risk.
  • Body dissatisfaction was lower among athletes.

Conclusions:

  • Sports participation can be a risk factor for certain eating problems in women.
  • Under specific circumstances, athletic involvement may serve as a protective element against eating problems.
  • The impact of sports on eating problems is nuanced and context-dependent.