Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between higher weight and eating disorder risk among collegiate athletes

Objectives: To examine whether higher weight status is associated with increased eating disorder risk in athletes. Design: Study 1 used cross-sectional (N = 942) and longitudinal (N = 483) data collected over a five-year period from Division I athletes at a Midwestern university. Study 2 used cross-sectional data from athletes competing at various levels at universities across the United States (N = 825). Methods: Weight and height were measured in Study 1 and self-reported in Study 2; higher weight was defined as body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m². Eating disorder risk was assessed with preliminary (Study 1) and final (Study 2) versions of the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes. Study 1 examined weight status in relation to both concurrent and one-year changes in Eating Disorder Screen for Athletes score. Study 2 examined weight status in relation to both the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes score and elevated eating disorder risk using the established Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes cut-off. All models adjusted for gender and sport type; Study 2 additionally adjusted for race/ethnicity, age, and competition level. Results: Across studies, higher weight status was significantly associated with increased eating disorder risk among athletes. This association was observed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, and the prevelence of elevated eating disorder risk was 43 % greater among athletes with higher weight status than among those without higher weight status. Conclusions: Despite existing stereotypes that eating disorders tend to occur with low weight status, findings highlight the importance of screening all athletes for eating disorders, regardless of their weight status.