Identifying college athletes at risk for pathogenic eating

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a discriminant function that predicts risk of pathogenic eating in comparison with a standard self report measure (EAT) and a clinical interview. In addition, to determine the effectiveness of this discriminant function using a variety of collegiate athletes. Methods: A total of 319 participants were asked to complete a series of self report measures that assessed dietary practices. In addition, anthropometric measures were obtained, and a random sample of 15% participated in a structured clinical interview. Results: Correlational analyses indicated that the discriminant function categorisation of risk was significantly related to both the clinical interview and EAT (p<0.05). The discriminant function was accurate in predicting risk category in this diverse group of athletes, particularly with respect to those at low risk (83.1%) and those at high risk (72.7%). Conclusion: This information may be helpful in the development of a simple, accessible tool to identify athletes at risk of engaging in pathogenic eating behaviours.

Disordered eating behaviors and body image in male athletes

“…Such personality traits can thus increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors and also lead to unhealthy body self-perception, which are particularly concerning for athletes, given their higher physiological demands. 1,6,7 The lower prevalence of eating disorders in males compared to females contributed to men being largely overlooked in previous research studies. 8 This gap in the literature has even originated the belief that men were not affected by these disorders.…”

“…33 Moreover, self-report data rely on honest responses by participants, and thus have inherent limitations. 6 There is a general tendency for athletes to underreport their symptoms to protect their athletic departments, or perhaps because of denial or personal protection. 3 It is possible that athletes with higher levels of disordered eating behaviors and/or body image dissatisfaction chose not to participate in the study, since participation was voluntary.…”

Associations Between Disordered Eating, Menstrual Dysfunction, and Musculoskeletal Injury Among High School Athletes

“…2,12,18,28,39,43,50,57,58 Menstrual abnormalities are estimated to affect 20% of exercising females, with prevalence reported as high as 44% in ballet dancers and 51% in endurance runners. 28,45,71,74 In postmenopausal women, osteopenia and osteoporosis are defined as having a bone mineral density (BMD) T-score between -1.0 and -2.5, and less than -2.5, respectively.…”

“…47 The research on the Triad has been focused primarily on collegeage or elite female athlete populations. 5,7,8,11,16,18,26,31,33,37,69,72,77 Most studies have examined only singular components of the Triad, particularly DE. 18,31,34,37,50,77 Little is known on the prevalence of the Triad in a high school athlete population.…”

“…5,7,8,11,16,18,26,31,33,37,69,72,77 Most studies have examined only singular components of the Triad, particularly DE. 18,31,34,37,50,77 Little is known on the prevalence of the Triad in a high school athlete population. 36,58 In a sample of 170 high school female athletes, Nichols et al 58 found that 18% and 24% of the athletes reported DE and MD, respectively, and 22% met the criteria for low bone mass.…”