Among 112 UK-based female athletes, 16%, 44%, and 53% were at risk of eating disorders, disordered eating, and low energy availability, respectively, with age and competition level predicting risk.
Cross-Sectional (n=112)
What is the prevalence of eating disorders, disordered eating, and low energy availability among UK-based female athletes, and are they associated with age, competition level, and primary sport?
A significant proportion of UK-based female athletes are at risk for disordered eating and low energy availability, with risk varying by age and competition level.
ABSTRACT Eating disorders (ED), disordered eating (DE) and low energy availability (LEA) can be detrimental to health and performance. Previous studies have independently investigated the prevalence of ED, DE or LEA; however, few combined methods have identified risk within female athletes. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of ED, DE and LEA in UK‐based female athletes and investigate whether associations exist between age, competition level and primary sport. The Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) and Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF‐Q) were used in a cross‐sectional study design. A total of 112 responses eligible for analysis were received. A total of 16%, 44% and 53% of female athletes were at risk of ED (FAST: >94), DE and LEA, respectively. Competition level (recreational, competitive or professional athletes; fishers, p ≤ 0.05) influenced and was a predictor of FAST ( R 2 = 0.076, F (1,110) = 10.067, p ≤ 0.05, variance inflation value; VIF = 1.0) whereas age influenced (age: H ( 2 ) = 13.128, p ≤ 0.05), and was a predictor ( R 2 = 0.144, F (2,109) = 9.170, p ≤ 0.05, VIF = 1.0) of LEAF‐Q. A positive correlation was observed between FAST and LEAF‐Q scores ( R = 0.496, p ≤ 0.05). Age and competition level may be predicting risk factors of ED/DE and LEA within female athletes; however, further research is required to support the findings of this present study.
Sharps et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Eating disorders, disordered eating, and low energy availability (n=112). Among 112 UK-based female athletes, 16%, 44%, and 53% were at risk of eating disorders, disordered eating, and low energy availability, respectively, with age and competition level predicting risk.