Problem Drinking and Eating Behaviors in College Athletes
Abstract & Commentary
Synopsis: The prevalence of self-reported disordered eating behaviors or problem drinking behaviors does not differ among intercollegiate athletes as compared with a control population of nonathletes.
Source: Gutgesell ME, et al. Weight concerns, problem eating behaviors, and problem drinking behaviors in female collegiate athletes. Journal of Athletic Training. 2003;38(1): 62-66.
Gutgesell and colleagues compared eating behaviors and alcohol drinking habits between female college athletes and nonathlete controls at 2 universities. The study population included 149 female varsity athletes in basketball, cross-country and track, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball who responded to the survey (response rate = 55%). The control population was a convenience sample of 209 nonathlete undergraduate female students. The anonymous questionnaire asked for information related to age, ethnic group, year in school, athlete status, sorority membership, height, weight, and ideal weight. Eating patterns, weight control practices, past or current eating disorders, and problem drinking behaviors were also explored. Binge drinking was defined as 4 or more drinks on 1 occasion at least once during a 2-week period.
Gutgesell et al found that both athletes and controls considered their ideal body weight to be less than their current weight. Approximately 26% of the controls and 18% of the athletes reported a past or current eating disorder such as binge eating, bulimia, or anorexia. Approximately half of the athletes (50.3%) and slightly less of the controls (44%) reported an episode of binge drinking, and both study populations reported they acted in ways they regretted while drinking. The controls reported more occasions of drinking in a 2-week period than the athletes. The percentage of nondrinkers was nearly equal in both groups (controls = 12.8%; athletes = 15.2%). In summary, problems with eating habits and behaviors and binge drinking exist in both athletes and controls, and there appears to be little difference in the prevalence of these problems between the 2 study populations.
Comment by David H. Perrin, PhD, ATC
Team physicians and certified athletic trainers are ideally positioned to prevent what Gutgesell et al describe as subclinical activities (disordered eating, unhealthy eating patterns, occasional binge drinking) and to identify clinical diagnoses such as bulimia, anorexia, or alcoholism in female athletes. From the findings of this study, self-reported problem drinking and eating behaviors exist in both athletes and controls at what appears to be relatively similar rates.
Gutgesell et al point out that both institutions in this study had support systems in place to prevent and treat problems with eating and drinking behaviors in female athletes. These systems included educational programs for coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes on the signs and symptoms associated with eating disorders and drinking problems. Given the relative similarity in these problems among both athletes and controls, one might wonder about the efficacy of these support systems for athletes. On the other hand, one might expect the pressures associated with participation in intercollegiate athletics to predispose athletes to a greater prevalence of disordered eating and drinking abuse. It would be interesting to compare the prevalence of eating and drinking problems among female athletes in institutions with and without the presence of these support systems.
This study reinforces the need for educational programs and a supportive environment to promote healthy lifestyle choices among female intercollegiate athletes. The prevalence of eating and drinking problems in female nonathletes should remind college and university student health care centers of the need for these support systems for all female students.
Dr. Perrin is Dean, School of Health and Human Performance, University of North Carolina, Greensboro.
The prevalence of self-reported disordered eating behaviors or problem drinking behaviors does not differ among intercollegiate athletes as compared with a control population of nonathletes.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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