A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Self-Reported Restrictive Eating, Eating Disorders, Menstrual Dysfunction, and Injuries in Athletes Competing at Different Levels and Sports
Authors: Ravi Suvi, Ihalainen Johanna K., Taipale-Mikkonen Ritva S., Kujala Urho M., Waller Benjamin, Mierlahti Laura, Lehto Johanna, Valtonen Maarit
Publisher: MDPI
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Nutrients
Journal name in source: NUTRIENTS
Journal acronym: NUTRIENTS
Article number: ARTN 3275
Volume: 13
Issue: 9
Number of pages: 11
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093275
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/67411976
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of self-reported restrictive eating, current or past eating disorder, and menstrual dysfunction and their relationships with injuries. Furthermore, we aimed to compare these prevalences and associations between younger (aged 15-24) and older (aged 25-45) athletes, between elite and non-elite athletes, and between athletes competing in lean and non-lean sports. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire. Participants were 846 female athletes representing 67 different sports. Results showed that 25%, 18%, and 32% of the athletes reported restrictive eating, eating disorders, and menstrual dysfunction, respectively. Higher rates of lean sport athletes compared with non-lean sport athletes reported these symptoms, while no differences were found between elite and non-elite athletes. Younger athletes reported higher rates of menstrual dysfunction and lower lifetime prevalence of eating disorders. Both restrictive eating (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.02-1.94) and eating disorders (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.31-2.73) were associated with injuries, while menstrual dysfunction was associated with more missed participation days compared with a regular menstrual cycle (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.05-3.07). Our findings indicate that eating disorder symptoms and menstrual dysfunction are common problems in athletes that should be managed properly as they are linked to injuries and missed training/competition days.
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