1. Examining the Relationship Between Exercise Dependence, Disordered Eating, and Low Energy Availability
- Author
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Kuikman, Megan and Burr, Jamie
- Subjects
eating disorder ,Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport ,compulsive exercise ,exercise dependence ,disordered eating ,exercise addiction ,RED-S ,low energy availability - Abstract
The purpose of this research was to assess if exercise dependence (EXD) increases the risk of low energy availability (LEA), with consideration of disordered eating (DE) and athlete calibre. Via survey response female (n=642) and male (n=257) athletes were categorized into one of the following: DE only, EXD only, DE+EXD, or standard controls. Compared to controls, the likelihood of being at risk of LEA was 2.5 times for female athletes with DE and >5.5 times with combined DE+EXD. Notably, female athletes with EXD only were not at an increased risk of LEA. Similarly, male athletes with DE, both with or without EXD, were more likely to report various signs and symptoms associated with LEA compared to controls, which was not seen in male athletes with EXD only. Compared to recreational athletes, female and male international caliber and male national calibre athletes were less likely to be classified with DE.
- Published
- 2021