Enhanced risk of disordered eating in female athletes: Exploring the contribution of sport types and competitive levels

This study examined the frequency of attitudes and behaviours characteristic of eating disorders as well as the self-regulation of eating attitudes in exercising women practicing three types of sport considered as at-risk for disordered eating (artistic, endurance or combat) at recreational or competitive level. The 135 participants were asked to complete the EAT-26, the SREASS (Self-Regulation of Eating Attitudes in Sports Scale) and to self-report their current and ideal weights. General linear models (GLM) showed different main effects of the type of sport on EAT scores (F = 45.27; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.41), continuous SREASS scores (F = 30.25; p < 0.001; η2 = 0.32), but not on the Δ weight values. GLM revealed a significant main effect of the level of sport participation on EAT scores (F = 6.11; p < 0.015; η2 = 0.04) and on Δ weight values (F = 9.37; p = 0.003; η2 = 0.068). No significant effect was found on continuous SREASS scores. There was no evidence of an interaction effect of the type and the level of sport participation on EAT and continuous SREASS scores. But a significant interaction effect was observed for Δ weight values (F = 3.63; p =0.02; η2 = 0.05). The endurance group showed the greatest frequency of disrupted eating attitudes and behaviours compared to the artistic (Mean Difference = 11.87; p < 0.001) and the combat group (Mean Difference = 12.44; p < 0.001). SREASS scores suggested “underregulated” and “overregulated” eating attitudes in participants practicing a combat or an endurance sport.

The specific characteristics of each sport may influence DE and regulation of eating attitudes in exercising women. Competitive settings could enhance the likelihood of disordered eating development. Additional research is necessary to identify protective factors and implement preventive measures in vulnerable sports.