Assessment of Eating Attitudes and Body Image Among 17–20-Year-Olds Engaged in Regular Sports Activity

TL;DR

This study finds that nearly a third of young athletes aged 17–20 are at risk of eating disorders, with higher risk among women and underweight individuals, especially in sports like dance and swimming.

Contribution

The study identifies gender, BMI, and sport type as key predictors of eating disorder risk in young athletes, emphasizing the role of body image concerns.

Findings

32.9% of young athletes are at risk of eating disorders, with women being significantly more vulnerable than men.

Underweight athletes have 2.86 times higher risk of eating disorders compared to those with normal weight.

Dancers and swimmers show the highest prevalence of eating disorder risk at 48.1% and 38.9%, respectively.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) and body image disturbances are increasingly recognized as important health issues among young athletes. Sports participation may both support healthy development and simultaneously increase vulnerability to disordered eating due to performance pressures and cultural ideals. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of eating disorders and body image among 17–20-year-old athletes. Methods: The study included 428 participants (215 women and 213 men) actively engaged in sports. Standardized psychometric tools were applied, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the Body Esteem Scale (BES). Statistical analyses examined differences across gender, BMI categories, and sports disciplines, as well as predictors of ED risk. Results: The analysis showed that 32.9% (n = 141; 95% CI: 28.3–37.8%) of respondents were at risk of developing eating disorders, with women being significantly more vulnerable than men (p < 0.001; V = 0.27). Underweight athletes demonstrated a higher risk compared with those of normal weight (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.48–5.55, p < 0.001). The type of sport was also associated with risk (p < 0.001, V = 0.323); the highest prevalence of ED risk occurred among dancers (48.1%) and swimmers (38.9%). Body esteem differed markedly between groups: participants at risk scored lower in Weight Control (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.94) and Physical Attractiveness (p = 0.072) but higher in Physical Condition (p < 0.001). Regression analyses indicated that gender (β = −3.35, p < 0.001) and Body Esteem—Weight Control (β = −0.45, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of EAT-26 scores. Conclusions: The findings confirm the multidimensional nature of eating disorder risk among young athletes, highlighting the role of body image imbalance and gender differences. Early screening, preventive interventions, and multidisciplinary support are essential to protect both the physical and mental health of young athletes. Future research should include objective physiological measures and broader samples to improve generalizability.

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