Examination Of Energy Availability And Eating Disorder Risk Among Ethnically Diverse Physically Active Females

Low energy availability (LEA) may occur with or without an eating disorder (ED) for both the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). However, research is limited in ethnically diverse physically active females. PURPOSE: To examine LEA with or without an ED Risk in ethnically diverse physical active females at a predominately white institution. METHODS: Data from a larger cross-sectional study was used to examine a sample of physically active college-aged females (n=21; age: 19.8±1.5 years; height: 167.3±13.0 cm; weight: 66.9±12.7 kg) from a predominantly white institution. Anthropometric measurements (height, mass, body composition), resting metabolic rate (RMR), the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the EDI-3 Symptom Checklist were assessed. Estimates of energy intake (EI), total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), exercise energy expenditure (EEE) were calculated using a 7-day dietary log and a physical activity monitor. LEA was defined as < 30 kcal/kg of fat-free mass (FFM)/day. Descriptives were calculated for basic demographics and dependent variables. Chi-squares and cross tabulations analysis examined prevalence of LEA with or without an ED risk. RESULTS: Participants were from: volleyball=4, softball=3, beach volleyball=1, ballet=1, soccer=5, cross country=2, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)=4 and other recreational sports=1. Ethnic diversity included 42.9% Black, 14.3% Asian, 9.5% Hispanic, 9.5% Native Indian, 19% Multi-Ethic, and 4.8% other. Their average energy availability = 26.9+20.8 kcal/kg FFM/day (EEE= 853+270.9 kcals; EI=1908+1143.3 kcals) resulting in 61.9% (n=13) at risk for LEA, 38.1% (n=8) at risk for EDs, and 23.1% (n=3/13) of females with LEA had an ED Risk. The average EI was just above the sample’s RMR of 1394+340.4 kcals and below the estimated TDEE (mean=2465.3+208.1 kcal). CONCLUSION: A high risk for LEA with or without ED risk was observed in ethnically diverse females. Racial and ethnic minority groups face a higher rate of health disparities; therefore, it is important to recognize racial prevalence in these conditions to help improve screening and diagnoses. Education regarding proper nutritional recommendations and habits can assist in early identification of LEA and avoiding consequences associated with Triad or RED-S.