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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
Summary
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.
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.