Attitudes and Dietary Behaviours among Athletes Engaged in Weight-Sensitive Performance Sports: A Mixed-Methods Study

Purpose: This mixed-methods study investigated disordered eating attitudes and behaviours (DEAB) and the risk of eating disorders (ED) in adult athletes engaged in weight-sensitive sports, while also exploring their dietary concerns and body image perception. Methods: Fifty athletes (mean age 25.9 years) recruited across New Brunswick completed two validated self-administered questionnaires (the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes (EDSA) and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)) focusing on dietary concerns and body image perception. Ten individuals also participated in an individual interview. Results: DEAB and concerns about body image were widespread among participants. The mean EDSA score approached the high-risk threshold for ED, while the EDE-Q score remained below the diagnostic cutoff value. Both scores were significantly higher in females than males. EDE-Q scores in aesthetic sports were twofold greater than in gravitational sports. Two main themes convey the athletes' perspectives: perception of an ideal body image in sports and perceived strong association between athletic performance level and weight or body shape, with sub-themes depicting the influence of various stakeholders and the sports environment, the experience of DEAB, and the athlete's journey. Conclusions: Identifying ED among athletes participating in weight-sensitive sports requires a broad approach not limited to ED diagnostic criteria and should encompass those displaying DEAB, thus emphasizing prevention. Sociocultural factors such as the sport culture should also be addressed.