A review of pathogenic weight-control behaviour among athletes: a cause for concern?

Abstract

The variety of research procedures for investigating eating disorders and weight-control procedures among athletes and associated equivocal results has prompted this brief review. Traditional methods used by athletes for weight control have been supplemented by procedures which can lead to the clinical conditions of anorexia and bulimia. While exercise probably remains the most popular form of weight control, some research has shown that as high as 40% of participants in some sports are likely to possess an eating disorder, while other studies have shown that it is as low as 4%. There appears to be a greater incidence of pathological weight-control behaviour in women than in men, it is more evident among athletes whose sport demands a lean, aesthetic appearance or a specific body weight, and it may be relatively unrecognised by coaches and sport administrators.

Key words:

• weight control
• athletes
• eating disorders