Gender differences in eating disorder risk among NCAA Division I cross country and track student-athletes

This 2019 study examined the eating disorder risk of NCAA Division I cross country and track distance running student-athletes. The study recruited 638 student-athletes (both sexes) competing at distances of 800m or greater. Risk of eating disorders was measured by checking their Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care (ESP) score. Of the questions in the ESP, the number of items answered affirmatively by the athletes was important in determining the person’s level of eating disorder risk. When the cutoff score of 2 was used, female athletes were more likely to be at risk for eating disorders, in comparison to males (with 71% specificity). Female athletes were also screened positive at higher rates than males at a stricter cutoff of 3 items affirmatively answered (specificity at 92%). This article highlights that both male and female distance runners are at risk of eating disorders, although female athletes are shown to have a higher chance of developing the disorder. [NPID: athletes, eating disorders, disordered eating, distance runners, cross country runners, students, young athletes, diet]

Year: 2019

Reference: Krebs, P. A., Dennison, C. R., Kellar, L., & Lucas, J. (2019). Gender differences in eating disorder risk among NCAA Division I cross country and track student-athletes. Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5035871