Analysis of eating disorders in fit kid aesthetic sport

Abstract

Eating disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions characterized by disrupted eating behaviors, often accompanied by attitudes or practices focused on weight management. Certain sports, particularly aesthetic sports, pose a higher risk for these disorders, being more prevalent among elite athletes compared to recreational or non-competitive participants. Objective: This research aims to analyze the potential attitudes and risk behaviors associated with the development of eating disorders among athletes in the Fit Kid discipline, considering factors such as age range and competition level. Additionally, the study aims to identify any correlation between higher weight and BMI and the increased prevalence of eating disorders. Materials & methods: 66 Fit Kid athletes between 11 and 19 years of age participated in this descriptive study. The instrument used to collect the information was the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the data were analysed with the SPSS 28.0 statistical package. Results: The main results reveal a higher level of risky eating attitudes in the highest level of competition and in athletes with a higher BMI and weight.