Body image and eating disorders in aesthetic sports: A systematic review of assessment and risk

Berengüí, R.; Angosto, S.; Hernández-Ruiz, A.; Rueda-Flores, M.; Castejón, M.A.

doi:10.1016/j.scispo.2023.03.006

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…In light of the current literature on EDs in esthetic sports, it is surprising to note that in the present study, esthetic sports were not significantly associated with more drive for thinness behaviors and attitudes compared with other types of sports [e.g., ( 9 , 26 , 78 )]. This result could be explained by the increased support available for athletes practicing esthetic sports ( 79–81 ).…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 62%

Personal risk factors and types of sport associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes

Maurin,

Labossière,

Pomerleau-Fontaine

et al. 2024

Front. Nutr.

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IntroductionProfessional and student-athletes are at risk of developing symptoms of eating disorders (ED), including drive for thinness and muscularity due to personal risk factors (e.g., low self-esteem) and sport-specific characteristics (e.g., sport requirements). However, limited studies have focused on ED symptoms among NextGen athletes (identified in Canada as élite or relève) who compete at the provincial, national, and international levels but are not yet part of national teams. As such, they have access to fewer financial resources and support from their sport federations, which can create additional stress for these athletes. The present study aimed to identify personal risk factors and types of sports associated with (a) drive for thinness and (b) drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes.MethodsThese athletes (n = 254) aged between 14 and 25 years old completed an online questionnaire. Perfectionism, self-esteem in sport, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity were, respectively, assessed by the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport, the Sport State Self-Esteem Scale, the Eating Attitude Test-26, and the Drive for Muscularity Scale. Other personal risk factor (e.g., athletic status) were measured using in-house questions. Each personal risk factor was included in two multiple linear regressions, respectively, to determine which factors were most associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity.ResultsAnalyses revealed that perfectionist aspirations during training were linked to a stronger desire for thinness. In addition, not being in school or not having a job were also linked to a stronger desire for thinness. Several variables were found to be associated with a greater desire for muscularity: being a male athlete, playing team sport, weight category sport or endurance sport (as opposed to esthetic sport), having elite status, being less satisfied with one’s current sporting performance and having higher perfectionist aspirations during training.DiscussionThis study offers initial insights into the factors influencing EDs among NextGen athletes, which provides a foundation for deeper exploration and the creation or modification of targeted interventions. These findings can guide sport organizations in creating guidelines and programs to better support the next generation of national athletes (e.g., create programs to help athletes maintain investments outside).

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 62%

Personal risk factors and types of sport associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes

Maurin,

Labossière,

Pomerleau-Fontaine

et al. 2024

Front. Nutr.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…In light of the current literature on EDs in esthetic sports, it is surprising to note that in the present study, esthetic sports were not significantly associated with more drive for thinness behaviors and attitudes compared with other types of sports [e.g., (9,26,78)]. This result could be explained by the increased support available for athletes practicing esthetic sports (79)(80)(81).…”

Section: Types Of Sport Associated With Drive For Thinness or Drive F...contrasting

confidence: 58%

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“…Athletes are at increased risk for disordered eating and eating disorders ( Stice and Shaw, 2002 ; Piran, 2015 ; Linardon, 2021 ). Specific athlete subpopulations (e.g., gymnasts, figure skaters) have been found to be at higher risk for disordered eating ( Petrie and Greenleaf, 2011 ; Berengüí et al, 2023 ) due to general societal pressures and additional sport environment pressures including judging criteria (e.g., scoring based on appearance in sports like diving, cheerleading, gymnastics), uniform requirements, weight requirements, and performance demands ( Petrie and Greenleaf, 2007 ; Petrie, 2020 ). Disordered eating and eating disorders can be detrimental to athletic performance, as clinical characteristics of anorexia (e.g., low body weight) and bulimia nervosa (e.g., purging) may increase injury susceptibility and negatively affect sport performance ( El Ghoch et al, 2013 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations between anthropometry, body composition, and body image in athletes: a systematic review

Webb,

Melough,

Earthman

et al. 2024

Front. Psychol.

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IntroductionPoor body image is a potent risk factor for disordered eating and eating disorders. Athletes are a population at increased risk for eating disorders despite reports of lower body image concerns compared to non-athletes. Body size and composition may influence an athlete’s susceptibility to poor body image.MethodsFive electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus) were searched to systematically evaluate the literature regarding the association between body measures (i.e., anthropometric and body composition indicators) and body image in athletes. The systematic review was completed following PRISMA guidelines and 27 cross-sectional studies were identified for inclusion and evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies.ResultsStudies differed in methodological assessment of anthropometry or body composition (i.e., self-reported versus researcher-measured), methods for evaluating aspects of body image, geographic location, and sport type. Higher body mass index (BMI) or percent body fat (%BF) was significantly associated with greater body dissatisfaction in 16 of 22 studies (72.7%). Positive associations between body measures and aspects of negative body image were most consistently observed among studies that assessed BMI based on self-reported heights and weights, while significant associations between body composition measures (e.g., %BF, fat mass, fat-free mass) were less common. Four of seven studies assessing relationships between BMI and an aspect of positive body image reported significant inverse relationships, while three revealed insignificant associations.DiscussionOverall, higher BMI and body fat were associated with body dissatisfaction among athletes. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings within focused populations and utilizing body composition methods (e.g., bioelectrical impedance techniques).Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023446518.

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Body image and eating disorders in aesthetic sports: A systematic review of assessment and risk

Cited by 5 publications

References 35 publications

Personal risk factors and types of sport associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes

Personal risk factors and types of sport associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity in NextGen athletes

Table_1.docx

Associations between anthropometry, body composition, and body image in athletes: a systematic review

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