Exploring the prevalence and risks of eating disorders in Lebanon's athletic community.

ABSTRACT: The intersection of eating disorders and competitive sports presents a critical issue that demands attention. Athletes, driven by the desire for peak performance and often subjected to intense physical and psychological pressures, are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders. The aim of our study is to conduct a preliminary assessment of the prevalence and risk levels of EDs among athletes in Lebanon. Using the validated EAT-26 and the DESA-6 questionnaires, 250 athletes were interviewed as part of a cross-sectional survey. Anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic characteristics were also assessed. The main findings show that the overall risk of EDs among Lebanese athletes is 21%, with 54.5% of those at-risk being males. In addition, the uncontrollable use of dietary

SUBMITTER: Sadek Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11889256 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature