Nutrition Behaviors of University Majorettes

Abstract

In brief: The eating behaviors of a group of university majorettes and the effects of nutrition counseling on the majorettes were examined. At the start of the football season, 11 varsity majorettes received nutrition counseling and were interviewed to obtain 24-hour diet reports and information about their eating behaviors and weight-control practices. The interviews were repeated eight weeks later. The women all had distorted body images. Despite the counseling, the subjects ate poorly and used other unsound weight-loss practices in an effort to meet arbitrary target weights set by a faculty advisor. The health implications of these practices are discussed and remedial actions are suggested.