Athlete-specific risk factors for the development of disordered eating behaviors in first-year college athletes

The current study tested whether proposed sport-related risk factors for disordered eating behaviors were associated with increases in disordered eating over first-year college athletes' first four months of collegiate sport participation.

Participants included a sample of first-year college athletes (N = 59, 45% female) from a Division I National Collegiate Athletics Association (DI) university.

This follow-up study tested whether 1) wearing a uniform that emphasizes body concerns, 2) participating in a lean sport, and 3) perceived pressure for thinness from coaches and teammates would lead to increases in weight/shape concerns and disordered eating behaviors over the first four months of collegiate sport participation.

Wearing a uniform that emphasizes body concerns and perceived coach pressure for thinness predicted increases in weight/shape concern. Both teammate and coach pressure for thinness predicted increases in restrained eating behaviors.

Findings suggest that there are identifiable, athlete-specific risk factors for the development of disordered eating behaviors among first-year college athletes.