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Eating disorders in former NCAA Division I collegiate gymnasts and their behaviors after graduating
In this 2020 study, a sample of former high division collegiate gymnasts were investigated to determine the incidence rate of eating disorders. Ninety female former NCAA collegiate gymnasts from the USA were handed questionnaires on disordered eating. According to one of these questionnaires, 40% of these athletes scored as potentially exhibiting eating disorders. Another questionnaire based on disordered eating demonstrated that around one third of the participants potentially had eating disorders. But the BSQ questionnaire, which measures concerns about body weight and shape, indicated the least number of gymnasts as potentially having eating disorders. Eleven former gymnasts scored as having a potential eating disorder in all three questionnaires. These results suggest that eating disorders may continue or manifest after a gymnast’s career is over. This article might help educate those people involved in sports such as athletes’ parents, coaches, teammates, and trainers. Being aware of these statistics can potentially help former gymnasts stay vigilant with regards to the potential of eating disorders among retired athletes.
[NPID: athletes, sports, disordered eating, eating disorders, retirement, retired athletes, gymnasts, collegiate athletes, former athletes, body weight, body shape]
Year: 2020
