biostudies-literatureUnknown15(1)Dubbs SLIntrasexual Competitiveness has been theorized to be related to the development of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in women. A university sample was used to test the relationship between gender and intrasexual competition (ISC) on the willingness to engage in risky weight-loss behaviors symptomatic of AN or BN. A gender-neutral scale of intrasexual competition was created, allowing for a direct comparison of male and female respondents. The results revealed that greater intrasexual competitiveness in women (but not men) was related to an increased self-reported willingness to engage in risky dieting behaviors (e.g., going on a crash diet, fasting, and taking diet pills). Women and individuals higher in ISC expressed a greater willingness to vomit and/or use laxatives. These findings support the notion that ISC may in part contribute to the development of AN and BN in women.Scientific reports33728https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12484643biostudies-literatureIntrasexual competition predicts willingness to engage in risky weight loss behaviors: sex differences and similarities.PMC12484643Becker DVDubbs SLPick CfalseIntrasexual competition predicts willingness to engage in risky weight loss behaviors: sex differences and similarities.Intrasexual Competitiveness has been theorized to be related to the development of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in women. A university sample was used to test the relationship between gender and intrasexual competition (ISC) on the willingness to engage in risky weight-loss behaviors symptomatic of AN or BN. A gender-neutral scale of intrasexual competition was created, allowing for a direct comparison of male and female respondents. The results revealed that greater intrasexual competitiveness in women (but not men) was related to an increased self-reported willingness to engage in risky dieting behaviors (e.g., going on a crash diet, fasting, and taking diet pills). Women and individuals higher in ISC expressed a greater willingness to vomit and/or use laxatives. These findings support the notion that ISC may in part contribute to the development of AN and BN in women.2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-05-03T03:21:56.423Z2026-05-03T03:13:59.097ZS-EPMC124846434102881510.1038/s41598-025-86985-x