| This study tested the hypothesis that male athletes who feel pressured
to maintain a specific body weight present an elevated risk of subclinical
eating disorders. Twelve judoists (19.5 ± 0.5 yr), fifteen cyclists
(21.2 ± 2.8 yr) and seventeen non- competitive students matched for
BMI and used as controls (21.8 ± 1.8 yr) were studied using the Eating
Attitudes Test (EAT-26). The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale,
the Body Esteem Scale and the Profile of Mood States were also used
to evaluate the relationships between eating disorders and psychological
characteristics. Athletes completed the tests during their competitive
period and controls completed the same scales at the same time. Scores
obtained on EAT-26 differed significantly from the control group on
EAT (p < 0.01), Dieting (p < 0.01), and Bulimia scores (p <
0.05). Sixty percent of the athletes used weight loss methods. Self-induced
vomiting, use of laxatives and diet pills were reported by 4%, 10%,
and 8.5% of them, respectively. Increasing exercise was the primary
method used by controls to lose body weight. Athletes reported greater
negative feelings about their physical appearance and their Body Weight
Satisfaction than controls (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively).
Our results also showed that depression mood accounted for 73% of
the variance in Bulimia scores and for 64% of the variance in Global
EAT scores in athletes. Body-esteem Appearance and depression accounted
for a significant proportion of the variance in Dieting scores. There
was no difference in perfectionism and mood between athletes and controls.
This study highlights that these athletes may tread a fine line between
optimal competitive attitudes and detrimental health behaviors.
KEY
WORDS: Eating behavior, male athletes, perfectionism, body esteem,
mood.
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