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Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, and Menstrual Dysfunction in Female Collegiate Runners.
Leah Dambacher1, Kelly Pritchett1, Robert Pritchett1
1Department of Health Sciences, Central Washington University, Ellensburg.
Journal of Athletic Training
|December 20, 2023
Summary
Many female collegiate runners face risks of low energy availability (LEA) and disordered eating (DE), often linked to menstrual dysfunction (MD). These conditions are prevalent and interconnected in this athletic group.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Female Athlete Health
Background:
- Collegiate female distance runners are susceptible to low energy availability (LEA) due to high exercise demands.
- Disordered eating (DE) is prevalent in this population and can exacerbate LEA and lead to health issues like menstrual dysfunction (MD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of LEA, DE, and MD among female collegiate runners.
- To compare DE, training volume, and weight dissatisfaction in runners at risk versus not at risk for LEA.
- To examine LEA risk across different NCAA divisions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 287 female collegiate runners from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III.
- Participants completed questionnaires including the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and the Disordered Eating Screen for Athletes (DESA-6).
Main Results:
- Over half of the runners were at risk for LEA (54.4%) and reported MD (56.5%).
- A significant portion were also at risk for DE (40.8%).
- Athletes at risk for LEA reported higher levels of DE and greater weight dissatisfaction compared to those not at risk.
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of female collegiate runners are at risk for LEA, DE, and experience MD.
- Risk for DE and MD, along with weight dissatisfaction, are associated with LEA risk in this population.
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