Weight loss practices and eating behaviours among female physique athletes: Acquiring the optimal body composition for competition

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 17; no. 1; p. e0262514
• Main Authors: Alwan, Nura, Moss, Samantha L., Davies, Ian G., Elliott-Sale, Kirsty J., Enright, Kevin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 14.01.2022; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Adult; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Attitude; Attitudes; Biology and Life Sciences; Body composition; Body Composition - physiology; Body Image - psychology; Body water; Body Weight - physiology; Body weight loss; Bodybuilding; Cohort Studies; Competition; Control methods; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eating behavior; Eating disorders; Feeding and Eating Disorders - psychology; Feeding Behavior - physiology; Feeding Behavior - psychology; Female; Females; Food; Food and nutrition; Food availability; Health aspects; Health risks; Humans; Influence; Medicine and Health Sciences; Methods; Nutrition; Optimization; Physical fitness; Prevalence; Prevention; Privacy; Questionnaires; Research design; Risk; Risk factors; Social Sciences; Surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; United Kingdom; Weight control; Weight loss; Weight Loss - physiology; Women bodybuilders; Young Adult; United Kingdom; United Kingdom > UK
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262514

Little is known about weight loss practices and eating behaviours in female physique athletes. This study investigated the weight loss history, practices, and key influences during the pre-competition period in a large cohort of female physique athletes stratified by division and experience level. Eating attitudes and behaviours were assessed to identify whether athletes were at risk of developing an eating disorder. Using a cross-sectional research design, female physique athletes ( n = 158) were recruited and completed an anonymous online self-reported survey consisting of two validated questionnaires: Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Irrespective of division or experience, female physique athletes used a combination of weight loss practices during the pre-competition phase. Gradual dieting (94%), food restriction (64%) and excessive exercise (84%), followed by body water manipulation via water loading (73%) were the most commonly used methods. Overall, 37% of female physique athletes were considered at risk of developing an eating disorder. Additionally, 42% of female physique athletes used two pathogenic weight control methods with 34% of Figure novice athletes indicating binge eating once a week or more. The coach (89%) and another athlete (73%) were identified as key influences on athletes’ dieting practices and weight loss. The prevalence of athletes identified with disordered eating symptoms and engaging in pathogenic weight control methods is concerning. In future, female physique athletes should seek advice from registered nutritionists to optimise weight management practices and minimise the risk of developing an eating disorder.