Do healthy athletes have higher scores in the Eating Disorder-Questionnaire? A pilot study

Peer-reviewed | Manuscript received: March 08, 2013 | Revision accepted: May 21, 2013

Background

The prevalence of eating disorders in athletes has been estimated as 18– 55 % [1, 2]. Diagnosis may be more difficult in competitive athletes, as the symptoms are variable and the eating disorders may be atypical. Diagnostic criteria such as underweight (body mass index [BMI] ≤ 18.5 kg/m²) or menstrual dysfunction may be missing, but can also occur in athletes without eating disorders [3].

For this reason, athletes require a standardised procedure that allows early detection and treatment of individuals at risk [4]. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended appropriate screening as part of the annual health examination [5].

Summary

The prevalence of eating disorders is increased in athletes. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether the Eating Disorder ExaminationQuestionnaire (EDE-Q) can be used as a screening tool in sport. There is no difference in the EDEQ between athletes without eating disorders (N = 29) and nonathletes (N = 15). Thus, healthy athletes do not exhibit a false high EDE-Q score.

Keywords: Screening, athletes, eating disorders, EDE-Q

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