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Female athletes and eating problems: A meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Smolak Linda,
Murnen Sarah K.,
Ruble Anne E.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-108x(200005)27:4<371::aid-eat1>3.0.co;2-y
Subject(s) - athletes , psychology , elite athletes , disordered eating , eating disorders , protective factor , risk factor , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , physical therapy , medicine
Objective The relationship between athletic participation and eating problems is examined using meta‐analysis. Both the risk and protective elements of athletic participation are considered. Method Data from 34 studies were used to examine the overall relationship between athletic participation and eating problems. Relationships for specific sports, elite athletes, and various age groups are also examined. Results Athletes appeared to be somewhat more at risk for eating problems than nonathletes. This was especially true of dancers. Significant effects did not emerge for gymnasts. Elite athletes, especially those in sports emphasizing thinness, were at risk. Nonelite athletes, especially in high school, had reduced risk of eating problems compared to controls. Body dissatisfaction was lower in athletes. Conclusion There appear to be circumstances under which sports participation by women constitutes a risk factor for certain elements of eating problems. In other situations, athletic participation may be protective against eating problems. © 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 27: 371–380, 2000.