Which group is reported to have a higher prevalence of disordered eating behaviors?

Collegiate female athletes are reported to have a higher prevalence of disordered eating behaviors. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors commonly associated with the collegiate athletic environment. These athletes often experience significant pressure to achieve peak physical performance, maintain specific body compositions, and conform to societal standards of fitness and appearance.

The competitive nature of collegiate sports also amplifies concerns about weight and body image. High-stakes competitions, media scrutiny, and the demanding training regimens can lead to unhealthy eating patterns, such as restrictive diets, binge eating, or purging behaviors. Additionally, the culture within certain sports, especially those that emphasize leanness or aesthetics, can contribute to the normalization of disordered eating practices, making them more prevalent in this group compared to others.

In contrast, non-collegiate, recreational, and high school female athletes may face different levels of pressure and may not engage in the same degree of competition or performance expectations. This can lead to lower incidences of disordered eating behaviors in those groups as they may not experience the same intensity of requirements that collegiate athletes do.