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Abnormal eating attitude test scores predict menstrual dysfunction in lean females
Author(s) -
Rippon Claire,
Nash Jane,
Myburgh Kathryn H.,
Noakes Timothy D.
Publication year - 1988
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 - 10.1002/1098-108x(198809)7:5<617::aid-eat2260070505>3.0.co;2-u
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , eating attitudes test , lean body mass , psychology , subclinical infection , eating disorders , menstrual cycle , medicine , clinical psychology , body weight , hormone
The role of subnormal nutrition and subclinical anorexia nervosa as factors associated with menstrual dysfunction in lean females has not been defined. We studied the relationship between elevated scores for the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) and menstrual dysfunction in 88 predominantly lean female marathon runners, ballet dancers, and fashion models. For analysis, the subjects were categorized according to their weight classification and exercise status into low‐mass nonexercisers, low‐mass exercisers, and moderate‐mass exercisers. Menstrual dysfunction was equally common in all groups (43–55%); the incidence of elevated EAT and EDI scores was high in all groups (15–65%). Elevated EAT test scores, but not body mass or exercise, were associated with menstrual dysfunction (p = 0.009). Subnormal nutrition may be the critical yet unrecognized factor explaining menstrual dysfunction in lean women.