Henriquez, M. M., George, V. A., & Castellanos, V. H. (2001). Eating attitudes and weight control behaviors of adolescent female swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 1603.

The dietary patterns and attitudes of young female competitive swimmers (N = 13; 12-15 yr) and synchronized swimmers (N = 16) were assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and questions from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Swimmers scored significantly higher on the EAT than did the synchronized swimmers. No swimmers displayed high enough scores to indicate being at risk for an eating disorder, but one synchronized swimmer did. Fifty percent of the swimmers indicated they tried to control their weight through diet and/or exercise. Ss reported the knew little about their calorie-intake. The coach was the first person consulted for nutritional advice.

Implication. Female age-group swimmers need careful and accurate information on fuel and dietary intake for their sport.

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