Prevalence of Eating Disorders

Abstract

PURPOSE: Auxiliary units (color guard, dance line, majorettes) are not commonly considered part of an athletic population; and therefore may have been overlooked in disordered eating research. This study estimated eating disorder prevalence by associated risk characteristics in auxiliary unit members and compared eating disorder characteristics, actual and preferred body image, and anthropometric measurements between females classified as “at risk” and “not at risk” according to Eating Attitudes Test scores (EAT-26). METHODS: A volunteer, cross-sectional study of collegiate auxiliary unit female members during 2005–2006 at 3 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institutions in the Southeastern United States participated (n=101). A descriptive survey was used to collect personal information regarding menstrual history, self-reported height and weight. Eating disorder symptoms and characteristics were assessed using the EAT-26, and subjective and preferred body image was assessed by a gender-specific BMI based silhouette matching test (Figural Stimuli). RESULTS: Prevalence in eating disorders was estimated at 29.7% (95% CI: 29.7 ± 0.09). Questionnaire revealed 21% used laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics; 14% reported vomiting to control weight or shape; and 15% reported having a history of amenorrhea. T-test indicated significantly higher scores or measurements for “at risk” group (n= 30) compared to “not at risk” group (n=71) for the EAT-26 total score (18.3±13.6 vs. 5.1±4.1; p<0.01), dieting (16.5±20.4 vs. 3.0±3.5; p<0.01), bulimia (2.4±2.9 vs. 0.86±1.0; p=0.01), hip circumference (100.7±9.5cm vs. 95.7 ±8.7 cm; p=0.01), self-reported weight (64.8±12.2lb vs. 59.8±9. 9lb; p=0.03), measured weight (65.3±12.9lb vs. 59.9±1 0.1lb; p=0.04), difference between measured and preferred weight (6.9±7. 5lb vs. 3.9±4.8 lb; p=0.02), and calculated target or ideal healthy weight (63.9± 0.2lb vs. 58.9±7.8lb;p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of eating disordered behavior in auxiliary unit members appears similar to the collegiate athletic population validating concerns that auxiliary units are associated with unacceptable prevalence of eating disorders. Results highlight the need to examine and address unhealthy weight management behaviors independent of eating disorder risk.