Prevalence of Risky Eating Behaviors in National Team Taekwondo Athletes from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of risky eating behaviors (REB) and possible eating disorders (ED) in national selected taekwondo athletes from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Material and methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on 72 athletes (38 women, 34 men; mean age 22.7 years) from 11 national teams during a qualifying championship. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) questionnaire was administered, and questions about compensatory behaviors were asked. Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) were assessed during habitual and competition periods. An EAT-26 score ≥20, any reported REB, or a BMI <18.0 kg/m² during competition was considered as a "Possible ED". Wilcoxon, McNemar-Bowker, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results: A reduction in BMI was observed during the competition period (21.2 vs. 20.3 kg/m²; p<0.0001). The prevalence of a possible ED was 91.7% (95% CI: 82.7–96.9), with self-induced vomiting (76.4%) and binge eating (63.9%) the main risk behaviors. On the contrary, the EAT-26 scores showed that only 18.1% reached the risk threshold (≥20). More men (64.7%) than women (26.3%) reported a history of treatment for an ED (p=0.0018). Conclusions: There is a high and normalized prevalence of REB in nationally selected taekwondo athletes from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The discrepancy between behaviors and cognitive attitudes suggests that REB are seen as effective tools for weight control, underestimating their risk to physical and mental health.