EATING DISORDERS, ENERGY-INTAKE, TRAINING VOLUME, AND MENSTRUAL FUNCTION IN HIGH-LEVEL MODERN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS

This study examined clinical and subclinical eating disorders (EDs) in young Norwegian modern rhythmic gymnasts. Subjects were 12 members of the national team, age 13-20 years, and individually matched nonathle tic controls. All subjects participated in a structured clinical inter view for EDs, medical examination, and dietary analysis. Two of the gy mnasts met the DSM-III-R criteria for anorexia nervosa, and 2 met the criteria for anorexia athletica (a subclinical ED). All the gymnasts w ere dieting in spite of the fact that they were all extremely lean. Th e avoidance or maturity, menstrual irregularities, energy deficit, hig h training volume, and high frequency of injuries were common features among the gymnasts. There is a need to learn more about risk factors and the etiology of EDs in different sports. Coaches, parents, and ath letes need more information about principles of proper nutrition and m ethods to achieve ideal body composition for optimal health and athlet ic performance.