Low Energy Availability And Disordered Eating Risk Do Not Change Over A Collegiate Cross-Country Season

Low energy availability (LEA) and eating disorder/disordered eating (ED/DE) are associated with numerous health and performance consequences. Cross-sectional prevalence studies have documented a high prevalence of LEA and ED/DE risk in female athletes participating in endurance sports (e.g., cross-country), but longitudinal studies are needed to understand LEA and ED/DE risk over time. PURPOSE: To examine changes in energy intake, LEA and ED/DE risk over a collegiate cross-country season. METHODS: Female cross-country athletes (n = 15) from local Division I collegiate women’s cross-country teams completed dietary records, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0) at pre-season and post-season. LEAF-Q, FAST, and EDE-Q scores and risk categorizations, based on previously validated cut-offs were utilized to establish low vs. high risk and independent samples T-tests and paired-samples proportions tests were performed to determine changes in risk scores and group level changes from pre- to post-season were significant. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in energy intake (PRE: 2344 ± 512 kcals; POST: 2240 ± 632 kcals (p = 0.168)), LEA risk based on LEAF-Q (PRE: 5.73 ± 3.31; POST: 5.87 ± 2.45 (p = 0.45)), DE risk based on FAST (PRE: 70.13 ± 15.48; POST: 66.40 ± 15.56 (p = 0.26)), and ED risk based on EDE-Q (PRE: 1.18 ± 1.04; POST: 1.30 ± 1.21 (p = 0.39)) from pre- to post-season. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the proportion of athletes at risk of LEA (26.7% vs. 20.0%; p = 0.69), DE (40.0% vs. 26.7%; p = 0.16) and ED (20.0% vs. 20.0%) at pre- and post-season. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that energy intake, risk of LEA and ED/DE, did not change over a collegiate cross-country season. However, post-season prevalence of LEA, DE, and ED risk was 20.0%, 26.7%, and 20.0%, respectively. This is similar to the reported prevalence in cross-sectional studies and suggests that fueling practices may remain consistent irrespective of training or competition schedules. As this longitudinal, observational study did not aim to change LEA risk or ED/DE behaviors, future studies should examine a targeted intervention to further reduce these associated risks and behaviors. Supported by: The authors have nothing to declare.