Author Identifier (ORCID)
Colin S. Doherty
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3589-7490
Lauren V. Fortington
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2760-9249
Oliver R. Barley
Abstract
Objectives:
To compare prevalence and change scores of disordered eating (DE) in combat sport athletes by sex and explore the potential relationship between rapid weight loss (RWL) and DE scores.
Design:
Prospective study based on 24 events (September 2022–2023).
Methods:
A body mass (BM) questionnaire was completed at ~ 1 day post-competition providing pre-competition BM data for − 7 days, − 24 h, and weigh-in. The Athletic Disordered Eating (ADE) online questionnaire was completed at ~ 7 and ~ 28 days post-competition, providing overall DE and four subscale scores (food and energy control, bingeing, body control, and body discontent).
Results:
There were 122, 132, and 89 respondents for the BM (77 % male), and ADE questionnaires at 7 (79 % male), and 28 days (74 % male). A large proportion of males' (83 %) and females' (89 %) DE scores were moderate to very high; minimal (17 % vs. 11 %), moderate (36 % vs. 32 %), high (37 % vs. 36 %), and very high (11 % vs. 21 %). Comparing DE change scores in males and females indicated deterioration (5 % vs. 0 %), improvement (3 % vs. 25 %, p = 0.013), and no difference (92 % vs. 75 %). Body discontent change score showed a significant sex difference (p = 0.014), with females improving (42 % vs. 17 %, p = 0.035) and males deteriorating (35 % vs. 4 %, p = 0.008). Correlation analyses were significant for RWL − 7 days and males' food control score (R = 0.22, p = 0.031).
Conclusions:
Moderate to very high DE indications were identified in 4 of every 5 combat sport competitors. A sex-specific change in body discontent is evident, and most competitors struggle with their food–body relationship post-competition, irrespective of RWL magnitude.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2024
Publication Title
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
71186
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Doherty, C. S., Fortington, L. V., & Barley, O. R. (2024). Prevalence of disordered eating and its relationship with rapid weight loss among male and female combat sports competitors: A prospective study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 27(11) 745-752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2024.06.007