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Disordered eating behaviours in female physique athletes
Jacqui Whitehead1, Gary Slater1, Hattie Wright1
1School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia.
European Journal of Sport Science
|November 28, 2019
Summary
Nearly half of female physique athletes show signs of disordered eating (DE), regardless of their sport division. Many also engage in harmful weight control practices, highlighting a significant risk within this athletic population.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Eating Disorders
- Female Athlete Health
Background:
- Physique sports have seen increased participation, yet the health of female athletes remains understudied.
- Extreme physique standards in female bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and bikini divisions may increase disordered eating (DE) risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess DE risk in female physique athletes across major divisions.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with DE.
- To examine DE prevalence differences among divisions based on physique requirements.
Main Methods:
- 348 female physique athletes completed an online survey.
- Validated questionnaires assessed Drive for Thinness, Body Dissatisfaction, Bulimia (EDI), Pathogenic Weight Control Measures (PWCM), and Cognitive Dietary Restraint (TFEQ-CDR).
- DE risk defined by EDI scores or engagement in concerning PWCM (binge eating, laxative use, self-induced vomiting).
Main Results:
- 46.6% of athletes were identified at risk for DE (27.3% clinical, 19.3% subclinical).
- 48.9% engaged in at least one concerning PWCM in the past three months.
- Drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction correlated with PWCM use.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of female physique athletes are at risk for DE.
- Significant engagement in harmful weight control behaviors necessitates targeted interventions.
- DE risk is prevalent across all physique sport divisions.
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