Nutrition: disorders in women’s sport.
At the risk of eating disorders are female athletes due to environmental pressure. However, the risk remains in the female population in general.
Eating disorders are linked to physical and psychological consequences causing short and long-term problems in the life of an athlete. In a recent study, a sample was selected that includes gymnasts and soccer players reporting food management issues and non-athlete women. The female sample with eating disorders has higher levels of anxiety, low self-esteem, and perfectionism.
The study results show that female athletes are at increased risk of an eating disorder due to environmental pressure . It requires an optimal body composition for a better competition performance. However, it was also discovered that in the female population of “non-athletes” there are behaviors related to eating disorders. Among the psychological components there is a link between anxiety and problematic eating behaviors. High levels of anxiety triggered by sport can lead to symptoms of bulimia with a greater propensity for general thinness.
The term perfectionism, on the other hand, is used to refer to a personality that sets high standards coupled with harsh self-criticism. Anxiety and perfectionism have a very strong dependence on each other. The results of the study reveal a positive link between anxiety and perfectionism. A perfectionism linked to oneself and to the social sphere.
Athletes must take care of their body with training. Self – esteem is the main factor in preventing an eating disorder. Further studies are planned in the future in relation to self-esteem and the prevention of any harmful eating behaviors for female athletes.
