Attitudes and Dietary Behaviours among Athletes Engaged in Weight-Sensitive Performance Sports: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Purpose: This mixed-methods study investigated disordered eating attitudes and behaviours (DEAB) and the risk of eating disorders (ED) in adult athletes engaged in weight-sensitive sports, while also exploring their dietary concerns and body image perception.

Methods

Fifty athletes (mean age 25.9 years) recruited across New Brunswick completed two validated self-administered questionnaires (the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes (EDSA) and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)) focusing on dietary concerns and body image perception. Ten individuals also participated in an individual interview.

Results

DEAB and concerns about body image were widespread among participants. The mean EDSA score approached the high-risk threshold for ED, while the EDE-Q score remained below the diagnostic cutoff value. Both scores were significantly higher in females than males. EDE-Q scores in aesthetic sports were twofold greater than in gravitational sports. Two main themes convey the athletes' perspectives: perception of an ideal body image in sports and perceived strong association between athletic performance level and weight or body shape, with sub-themes depicting the influence of various stakeholders and the sports environment, the experience of DEAB, and the athlete's journey.

Conclusions

Identifying ED among athletes participating in weight-sensitive sports requires a broad approach not limited to ED diagnostic criteria and should encompass those displaying DEAB, thus emphasizing prevention. Sociocultural factors such as the sport culture should also be addressed.