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Attitudes and Dietary Behaviours among Athletes Engaged in Weight-Sensitive Performance Sports: A Mixed-Methods Study
Mia Léger1, Carole C Tranchant1, Mylène Ross-Plourde2
1School of Food Science, Nutrition and Family Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences and Community Services, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Adult athletes in weight-sensitive sports show widespread disordered eating attitudes and behaviors (DEAB). A broad approach, including prevention and addressing sociocultural factors, is crucial for identifying eating disorders (ED) risk.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Athletes in weight-sensitive sports face unique pressures regarding body image and weight.
- Disordered eating attitudes and behaviors (DEAB) are prevalent in this population, increasing eating disorder (ED) risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DEAB and ED risk in adult athletes in weight-sensitive sports.
- To explore athletes' dietary concerns and body image perceptions.
- To understand the influence of sports environment and stakeholders on athletes' experiences.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods approach combining validated questionnaires (EDSA, EDE-Q) and individual interviews.
- Fifty adult athletes from weight-sensitive sports completed surveys.
- Ten athletes participated in in-depth interviews to explore their perspectives.
Main Results:
- Widespread DEAB and body image concerns were observed.
- Mean EDSA scores indicated high-risk for ED, while EDE-Q scores were below diagnostic cutoffs.
- Females and athletes in aesthetic sports reported higher DEAB and body image concerns.
Conclusions:
- Identifying ED in athletes requires a comprehensive approach beyond diagnostic criteria, focusing on DEAB and prevention.
- Sociocultural factors, including sport culture, significantly influence athletes' eating behaviors and body image.
- Interventions should address the perception of ideal body image and the link between performance and weight/shape.
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