Behaviors and attitudes associated with eating disorders: perceptions of college athletes about food and weight

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Abstract
This study surveyed male and female athletes from 22 midwestern colleges and universities regarding behaviors and attitudes associated with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The response rate was 66% (N= 695) and the findings indicated that the body image of some athletes may be distorted; one-seventh perceived themselves as fat even though they were not. Many athletes seemed preoccupied with food and weight; almost one-third reported routinely thinking about food and weight and more than one-third reported dramatic annual weight fluctuations (9 lb or greater) related to bingeing and fasting. Athletes also did not feel in control when they ate and their habits related to food consumption appeared to be extreme; one-tenth reported a lack of control when they ate, more than one-third binged, one-twentieth ate until they were physically ill, and a similar proportion preferred not to eat in the presence of others. In addition, it was found that as many men as women athletes reported these perceptions but significant sex differences were noted for specific items. It was suggested that behaviors and attitudes be viewed on a continuum with normals at one end, eating disordered individuals at the other end, and college athletes in between. Health education that focuses on behaviors and attitudes as symptoms of eating disorders was recommended for athletes and those working closely with athletes. Future research was suggested to determine reasons for the undesirable behaviors and attitudes and to study the onset, development, long-term effects and whether these behaviors and attitudes lead to an eating disorder.

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