The Female Athlete Triad (FAT) is a serious health issue affecting physically active women. It consists of three interconnected components: low energy availability (LEA), menstrual dysfunction (MD), and low bone mineral density (LBMD). While we know a lot about the physical aspects of FAT, the psychological effects, including mental health challenges and their impact on athletic performance, haven't been studied as thoroughly. This systematic review looks to bring together existing research on the psychological factors related to FAT and stresses the importance of a more athlete-centered approach to prevention and management. A systematic review of studies published globally between 2000 and 2024 has been performed. After eliminating duplicates and applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 15 studies for our analysis, which varied in terms of the methods used and the populations studied. Our findings revealed a high rate of disordered eating and menstrual dysfunction, particularly among athletes in sports that prioritize leanness and aesthetics. This study found that LEA acts as a key link among these components. Additionally, there was a notable connection between these physical issues and psychological factors such as body dissatisfaction, perfectionism, and pressure from the sports environment. The results indicate that FAT is not solely a physical issue; it is a complex syndrome influenced by psychological factors. We suggest adopting a multidisciplinary approach that includes early screening, psychological counselling, nutritional education, and adjustments to training practices. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and aim to include a diverse range of athletic populations to create more effective, evidence-based strategies for prevention and management.
Kabee et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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