Adolescent male athletes: body image, diet, and exercise

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare body image concerns, attitudes toward eating/weight control, and reasons for exercising between two groups of adolescent male athletes--football players (N = 44) and cross-country runners (N = 30). Subjects responded to surveys covering eating attitudes, weight concerns, physical traits, perceived and ideal body shape/size, and reasons for exercising. Significant differences were noted: Football players reported a more positive body image; cross-country runners indicated a greater degree of body dissatisfaction, more disordered eating patterns, and a greater degree of concern for weight control which identified this group as one in need of increased health education.