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Eating disorders in female athletes
1Department of Biology and Sports Medicine, Norwegian University of Sport and Physical Education, Oslo.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Female athletes, especially in aesthetic sports, have high rates of eating disorders. More research is needed to understand risk factors and the impact on health and performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Eating disorders pose significant health risks, including mortality.
- Female athletes exhibit higher prevalence rates of eating disorders compared to non-athletes.
- Sports emphasizing leanness or specific bodyweights are associated with increased risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and relationship between clinical and subclinical eating disorders in athletes.
- To identify sport-specific risk factors contributing to eating disorders among athletes.
- To highlight the need for improved research methodologies in this field.
Main Methods:
- Existing literature review highlighting methodological weaknesses.
- Discussion of the need for standardized assessment tools and interview methods.
- Call for large-scale, longitudinal studies.
Main Results:
- Subclinical and clinical eating disorders are prevalent in female athletes.
- Certain sports increase the risk due to emphasis on body weight and leanness.
- Current research lacks robust methodologies and comprehensive data.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to understand the etiology and risk factors of eating disorders in athletes.
- Standardized research methods are needed for accurate assessment.
- Investigating the long-term health and performance effects is essential.