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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
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Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating in Figure Skaters: Prevalence, Associations, and Athlete Experiences
Mara A Tietzen1,2,3, Ellen Geminiani4, Cynthia J Stein1,5
1Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
Summary
Figure skaters show high rates of eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating (DE), with over half receiving body comments linked to positive ED/DE screens. Awareness of low energy availability (LEA) conditions like REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and the female athlete triad (Triad) is very low.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Sports Psychology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Figure skating poses significant risks for eating disorders (EDs), disordered eating (DE), and low energy availability (LEA).
- Limited understanding exists regarding athlete experiences, body image perceptions, and nutritional decision-making in figure skating.
- Athlete well-being is impacted by factors such as body weight/shape comments and awareness of LEA pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ED/DE and LEA pathology awareness (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport [REDs] and female athlete triad [Triad]) among figure skaters.
- To explore athlete experiences and qualitative factors influencing food choices, body weight, and shape perceptions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving a one-time electronic survey.
- Fifty-seven adolescent and young adult figure skaters (ages 13-25) participated.
- The survey included demographic data, standardized ED/DE screening tools, and open-ended questions for qualitative insights.
Main Results:
- 35.1% of skaters screened positive for ED/DE.
- Over half (51.8%) reported receiving comments on body weight/shape, significantly associated with positive ED/DE screens (P < 0.01).
- Fewer than 16% of participants were aware of the Triad or REDs.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of ED/DE and body comments among figure skaters requires focused intervention.
- Low awareness of LEA pathologies (REDs, Triad) highlights a critical need for educational initiatives.
- Further research and targeted education are essential for preventing and treating ED/DE and REDs in figure skaters.
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