Prevalence of eating disordered behavior in collegiate lightweight women rowers and distance runners

This study examined eating behavior in collegiate women lightweight rowers, runners, and controls. It was hypothesized that rowers would show an increased prevalence of restraint in their eating behaviors, but not probable eating disorder cases as compared with runners or controls, because they are required to make their target weight but are discouraged from further weight loss.

Retrospective survey.

Lightweight women rowers (n = 122) at eastern collegiate championship regattas, collegiate distance runners (n = 79) at a regional track meet, and a convenience sample of collegiate controls (n = 95) were surveyed.

The Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire, a validated questionnaire evaluating eating attitudes and behaviors, and additional questions regarding weight and menstrual history were used to assess probable eating disorder cases and disordered eating tendencies.

Rowers showed significantly more restraint in eating patterns during the previous month and less shape concern than either runners or controls. Rowers also reported increased use of diuretics. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of probable cases of eating disorders or disordered eating behavior.

Lightweight rowing and distance running were not associated with increased prevalence of eating disorders in this sample, although rowing was associated with increased restraint and diuretic misuse. This use of pathologic weight-making behaviors is of significant clinical concern. These results support ongoing monitoring of disturbed eating and weight-making practices in weight-dependent sports, but do not support discouraging the growth of lightweight women's rowing at the collegiate level.