RISK AND TRIGGER FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EATING DISORDERS IN FEMALE ELITE ATHLETES

This study examined risk factors and triggers for eating disorders in female athletes. Subjects included were all of the elite female athlet es in Norway (N = 603), ages 12-35 yr, representing six groups of spor ts: technical, endurance, aesthetic, weight dependent, ball games, and power sports. The Eating Disorder Inventory was used to classify indi viduals at risk for eating disorders. Of the 117 athletes defined as a t risk, 103 were administered a structured clinical interview for eati ng disorders. A comparison group was also interviewed, consisting of 3 0 athletes chosen at random from a pool not at risk and matched to the at-risk subjects on age, community of residence, and sport. Ninety-tw o of the at-risk athletes met criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia n ervosa, or anorexia athletica. The prevalence of eating disorders was higher in sports emphasizing leanness or a specific weight than in spo rts where these are less important. Compared with controls, eating dis ordered athletes began both sports-specific training and dieting earli er, and felt that puberty occurred too early for optimal performance. Trigger factors associated with the onset of eating disorders were pro longed periods of dieting, frequent weight fluctuations, a sudden incr ease in training volume, and traumatic events such as injury or loss o f a coach.