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The Risk of Disordered Eating in Fitness Club Members-A Cross-Sectional Study
Christina Gjestvang1, Therese F Mathisen2, Solfrid Bratland-Sanda3
1Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Ullevål Stadion, P.O. Box 4014, NO-0806 Oslo, Norway.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 27, 2024
Summary
Nearly one in five gym members show disordered eating (DE) risk, linked to lower body appreciation and higher BMI. These findings highlight the need for awareness in fitness environments.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sports Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Fitness clubs may normalize abnormal eating and excessive exercise.
- This environment can increase the risk of disordered eating (DE) among members.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence of DE risk in gym members.
- To compare body appreciation, exercise motivation, frequency, BMI, and age across DE risk levels.
- To identify factors associated with DE risk in this population.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 232 gym members completed an online survey.
- DE risk was assessed using the Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care (ESP).
- Body appreciation and exercise motivation were measured using validated scales.
Main Results:
- 19.4% of gym members were identified as being at risk for DE.
- Individuals at DE risk had a higher mean BMI and lower body appreciation.
- Lower body appreciation was the only significant factor associated with DE risk (OR = 0.24).
Conclusions:
- Disordered eating risk is a concern within fitness club populations.
- Body appreciation is a key factor to consider in DE risk assessment.
- Interventions in fitness settings should address body image and disordered eating behaviors.
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