Exploring eating disorders and body satisfaction in elite and non-elite gymnasts

Abstract

Gymnastics, characterized by its pursuit of perfection in performance and appearance, often fosters high levels of anxiety and mental health issues among athletes. Body dissatisfaction, prevalent in the sport, is a potential risk factor for eating disorders, particularly among gymnasts who are predisposed to such conditions. This study aims to examine the prevalence of eating disorders and levels of body satisfaction among elite and non-elite gymnasts in Indonesia. This research uses a quantitative descriptive method with a cross-sectional design. Thirty-one elite and non-elite gymnast athletes consisted of artistic, rhythmic, and aerobic gymnasts (age = 16.58±3.84 years, body weight = 46.65±9.76 kg, height = 155.8± 10.96 cm, BMI = 19.03± 2.20 kg/m2) completed their answer on eating disorder examination (EDE-Q 6.0) and provided their self-report concerning their body shape and satisfaction (BSQ-16), and (FRS). This study found a tendency towards developing eating disorders (ED) in both elite and non-elite gymnasts, with a greater susceptibility reported in female athletes. Furthermore, there was a notable issue regarding body form among elite gymnasts, with a clear distinction between elite and non-elite athletes (p = 0.00) in terms of their perceived body shape. In order to optimize both mental and physical wellbeing, it is imperative to provide gymnasts with a comprehensive education on mental health and a full awareness of a well-balanced diet. Moreover, it is crucial to implement regular monitoring of athletes, the availability of psychiatric, and a personalized approach to formulating treatment planning. Furthermore, it is imperative to engage sports nutritionists, psychologists, coaches, and doctors to offer comprehensive support that allows gymnasts to achieve their utmost capabilities healthily and sustainably.