Abstract:
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental and Behavioural Disorders
(DSM IV) Eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and
Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). Athletes who take part in weight
category sports often feel pressure to lose weight rapidly and they follow abnormal
eating patterns to reduce their weight. Therefore this study examined the prevalence of
eating disorders among national level female boxing players. Subjects included were
forty five national level female boxing players in Sri Lanka, aged between 18to 32 years.
All the players were administered SCOFF questionnaire for screening and Eating
Attitude Test (EAT- 26) to classify individuals at risk for eating disorders. Further,
female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST) questionnaire was used to identify the player’s
eating behaviours, physical activity level and personal beliefs regarding their eating
habits. Body Mass Index (BMI) was taken as an anthropometric parameter of the
players. Chi squared was used to find the relationship between eating disorders and the
value of BMI. Results of SCOFF questionnaire showed > 2 marks by 53.34%and were
screened as at risk. According to EAT- 26 and DSM VI criteria, 53.34% were found at risk
and 46.66% were not at risk. Among the risk players, 95.84% were Anorexia Nervosa and
4.16% were Bulimia Nervosa. Considering the BMI level 26.66% players were within
normal limit and 73.34% players were in the underweight, overweight and obese
categories. Chi squared test results showed that there was a significant relationship
between eating disorders and the value of BMI (p<0.05). This study revealed that there
was high prevalence of eating disorders among national level female boxing players
and it is important to each national level sports team should have the access to the
service of a qualified nutritionist / dietician to get dietary advices for minimize the risk
of eating disorders.
