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Eating problems and calorie intake levels in Swiss adolescent athletes
J E Benson1, Y Allemann, G E Theintz
1Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of Geneva.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Female athletes, particularly swimmers, show higher body dissatisfaction and eating disorder risks than gymnasts or non-athletes. These findings highlight that disordered eating is not exclusive to leanness-focused sports.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Eating disorders (ED) and weight preoccupation are significant concerns in adolescent females.
- Athletic participation may influence body image and eating behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of eating disorders (ED), calorie intake, and body fat in Swiss female athletes compared to non-athletes.
- To examine differences between athletes in leanness-emphasizing sports (gymnasts) and non-leanness-emphasizing sports (swimmers).
Main Methods:
- The study assessed 30 athletic and 34 non-athletic adolescent Swiss females.
- Eating disorder tendencies and weight preoccupation were measured using the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI).
- Calorie intake was recorded over 7 days, and body composition was determined via skin-fold measures.
Main Results:
- Gymnasts had lower body fat and consumed fewer total calories than swimmers and controls.
- Weight preoccupation was similar across all groups (gymnasts, swimmers, controls).
- Swimmers reported significantly higher body dissatisfaction and scored higher on multiple EDI subscales compared to gymnasts and controls.
Conclusions:
- Disturbances in eating behaviors are not confined to sports demanding leanness.
- Female athletes in sports not emphasizing leanness, like swimming, may be at increased risk for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific risk factors for eating disorders in diverse athletic populations.