Prevalence of disordered eating and its relationship with rapid weight loss amongst male and female combat sport competitors: A prospective study

J Sci Med Sport. 2024 Nov;27(11):745-752. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.06.007. Epub 2024 Jun 21.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare prevalence and change scores of disordered eating (DE) in combat sport athletes by sex and explore the potential relationship between rapid weight loss (RWL) and DE scores.

Design: Prospective study based on 24 events (September 2022-2023).

Methods: A body mass (BM) questionnaire was completed at ~1 day post-competition providing pre-competition BM data for -7 days, -24 h, and weigh-in. The Athletic Disordered Eating (ADE) online questionnaire was completed at ~7 and ~28 days post-competition, providing overall DE and four subscale scores (food and energy control, bingeing, body control, and body discontent).

Results: There were 122, 132, and 89 respondents for the BM (77 % male), and ADE questionnaires at 7 (79 % male), and 28 days (74 % male). A large proportion of males' (83 %) and females' (89 %) DE scores were moderate to very high; minimal (17 % vs. 11 %), moderate (36 % vs. 32 %), high (37 % vs. 36 %), and very high (11 % vs. 21 %). Comparing DE change scores in males and females indicated deterioration (5 % vs. 0 %), improvement (3 % vs. 25 %, p = 0.013), and no difference (92 % vs. 75 %). Body discontent change score showed a significant sex difference (p = 0.014), with females improving (42 % vs. 17 %, p = 0.035) and males deteriorating (35 % vs. 4 %, p = 0.008). Correlation analyses were significant for RWL -7 days and males' food control score (R = 0.22, p = 0.031).

Conclusions: Moderate to very high DE indications were identified in 4 of every 5 combat sport competitors. A sex-specific change in body discontent is evident, and most competitors struggle with their food-body relationship post-competition, irrespective of RWL magnitude.

Keywords: Bingeing; Body image; Screening; Sports medicine; Sports nutrition; Weight management.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletes
  • Body Mass Index
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Martial Arts
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Weight Loss*
  • Young Adult