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Risk behaviors for eating disorders in Brazilian dancers
1Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Department of Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 12, 2010
Summary
High rates of eating disorder risk behaviors were found in Brazilian professional dancers. Dancers with abnormal body fat percentages or living alone were most vulnerable, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Dance Medicine
- Sports Psychology
- Eating Disorder Research
Background:
- Professional dancers face unique pressures regarding body image and physical condition.
- Eating disorders (EDs) are a significant concern in aesthetic sports like ballet.
- Understanding risk factors specific to this population is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of eating disorder risk behaviors in Brazilian professional dancers.
- To identify anthropometric, demographic, and socioeconomic factors associated with these risk behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Portuguese versions of the Eating Attitudes Test and the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE).
- Surveyed 39 female and 22 male elite classical ballet dancers in Brazil.
- Calculated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to assess associations.
Main Results:
- 31% of dancers exhibited risk behaviors for eating disorders.
- Higher risk was associated with body fat percentage outside the normal range for dancers (PR=4.04 and PR=3.57).
- Living alone also correlated with increased risk (PR=3.13).
Conclusions:
- The frequency of eating disorder risk behaviors is high among Brazilian professional dancers.
- Deviations in body fat percentage and living situation are key risk factors.
- Intervention strategies should prioritize dancers with abnormal body fat and those living alone.
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