Author(s): PIETA, A., GACEK, M., FRACZEK, A., BLECHARZ, J., Institution: UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES, Country: POLAND, Abstract-ID: 1123

INTRODUCTION:
Environmental factors, including disordered eating behaviors, constitute important risk factors for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Eating behaviors are also associated with psychological factors, including personal resources. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and selected determinants of eating disorders among elite cross-country skiers at risk of RED-S compared with a control group.
METHODS:
The study included 18 women: 9 elite cross-country skiers (CCS), members of the Polish National Team (experimental group), and 9 physically inactive female students from non-sport-oriented universities in Kraków (control group, CON). Inclusion criteria for the experimental group were female sex and elite athletic status (Polish National Team A or B), whereas the control group included women with a sedentary lifestyle, normal body mass index (BMI), and good general health. The study was conducted during the preparatory period of the season, corresponding to the highest training intensity and volume microcycle. Clinical symptoms of RED-S were assessed using the IOC RED-S Clinical Assessment Tool-Version 2 (IOC RED-S CAT2). Disordered eating behaviors were evaluated using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and life satisfaction was assessed with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Kendall’s correlation at a significance level of p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
Based on EDE-Q scores and the IOC criteria for elite athletes (>2.3), a high risk of eating disorders was identified in five of the nine cross-country skiers (55.55%). The risk of eating disorders was significantly higher in skiers compared with physically inactive women with normal BMI (2.57 vs. 0.46; p = 0.022). Higher RED-S risk was significantly associated with greater likelihood of disordered eating behaviors (τ = 0.73; p = 0.027). A significant negative association was also observed between life satisfaction (SWLS) and severity of eating disorder symptoms (EDE-Q) (τ = -0.68; p = 0.027), indicating that greater symptom severity was linked to lower life satisfaction. No significant correlations were found between EDE-Q scores and energy and carbohydrate availability, or body fat percentage. Based on IOC RED-S CAT2, two subgroups of skiers were identified: low risk (n = 3) and moderate/high risk (n = 6). Although athletes at higher RED-S risk obtained higher EDE-Q scores than those at low risk (2.91 vs. 1.68), the difference did not reach statistical significance.
CONCLUSION:
Elite cross-country skiers demonstrate a higher prevalence of disordered eating behaviors associated with increased RED-S risk compared with physically inactive women of normal body mass. Greater severity of eating disorder symptoms in professional cross-country skiers is associated with lower life satisfaction.