Abstract
CONTEXTAlthough there is little data currently available concerning the primary factors associated with disordered eating behaviors among triathletes, these athletes may be at greater risk. Sports medicine professionals are in a unique position to identify athletes with disordered eating risks.METHODSThe purpose of this cross-sectional survey study was to identify the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among a national convenience sample of triathletes. A secondary purpose was to identify “triathlon-specific factors” and “competitive athlete-factors” potentially associated with disordered eating behaviors. The authors hypothesized that certain triathlon-specific factors and competitive athlete factors would be associated with increased rates of self-reported disordered eating behaviors.RESULTSIn a respondent sample of 1,033 adults, multiple competitive athlete factors were associated with a higher risk for disordered eating, whereas triathlon-specific factors were not.CONCLUSIONSIn this study sample, disordered eating was not specifically associated with triathlon-specific factors. Rather, disordered eating behaviors were found to be more often associated with associated competitive athlete factors, particularly in the many leanness sports such as running.
Highlights
The prevalence of eating disorders in women in the general population is estimated to be less than 1% for anorexia nervosa (AN), 1-2% for bulimia nervosa (BN) and 3-5% prevalence of partial syndromes.[1]
In the DSM-5, BN is defined as a syndrome consisting of recurrent episodes of binge eating and recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, both occurring at least once a week for two months with self-evaluation influenced by body weight and shape.[2]
Triathlons are comprised of three sports, swimming, biking and running, in which disordered eating (DE), which encompasses a spectrum of abnormal behavior ranging from mild preoccupation with food and exercise to a diagnosis of AN or BN according to the DSM-5, has been reported.[6,7,8]
Summary
The prevalence of eating disorders in women in the general population is estimated to be less than 1% for anorexia nervosa (AN), 1-2% for bulimia nervosa (BN) and 3-5% prevalence of partial syndromes.[1]. In the DSM-5, BN is defined as a syndrome consisting of recurrent episodes of binge eating and recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, both occurring at least once a week for two months with self-evaluation influenced by body weight and shape.[2] The prevalence of eating disorders in males is significantly lower with a male-female ratio for likely under-reported eating disorders estimated between five and 10%.1. The overall prevalence of eating disorders is higher than the general population,[3] as well as in female athletes and sports that emphasize leanness such as triathlons.[4,5] Triathlons are comprised of three sports, swimming, biking and running, in which disordered eating (DE), which encompasses a spectrum of abnormal behavior ranging from mild preoccupation with food and exercise to a diagnosis of AN or BN according to the DSM-5, has been reported.[6,7,8] Triathlons are one of the most rapidly growing sports in the United States.[9]
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