Preventing eating disorders among young elite athletes: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Eating disorders (ED) are a significant concern among adolescent athletes.
• Elite athletes face unique pressures that may increase their risk for developing ED.
• Early intervention is crucial for preventing the onset of ED and associated symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a 1-year school-based intervention program.
• To prevent new cases of ED and associated symptoms in adolescent elite athletes (female and male).

Main Methods:

• 16 Norwegian Elite Sport High Schools participated (9 intervention, 7 control).
• 465 first-year student athletes were followed from 2008-2011.
• Athletes completed the Eating Disorder Inventory 2 and clinical interviews at pretest, posttest 1, and posttest 2.

Main Results:

• No new ED cases developed in female athletes in intervention schools versus 13% in control schools (P = 0.001).
• Intervention group showed lower odds of reporting ED symptoms at posttest 1 (OR = 0.45) and reduced dieting behaviors (OR = 0.10).
• No significant differences in ED incidence or symptoms were observed among male athletes.

Conclusions:

• A 1-year intervention program is effective in preventing new ED cases and symptoms in adolescent female elite athletes.
• The findings highlight the importance of targeted prevention programs in sports settings.
• Further research may explore tailored interventions for male athletes.