Predisposition to Eating Disorders among Ballet Dancers: An Analysis Using the EAT-26 and EDE-Q Questionnaires

Eating disorders (EDs) are complex psychiatric conditions with consequences extending to both somatic and psychosocial domains. Their prevalence among physically active individuals, particularly within artistic environments, has attracted considerable scientific attention. Ballet dancers constitute one of the groups especially predisposed to these disorders. Ballet requires not only exceptional physical fitness but also the fulfillment of specific aesthetic standards, including the maintenance of a slender body shape. Consequently, ballet dancers are at elevated risk of developing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other forms of disordered eating. The aim of this study was to analyze the predisposition to eating disorders among ballet dancers using validated diagnostic tools (EAT-26 and EDE-Q). The study included 25 adult ballet dancers from Poland. The results revealed that more than half of the participants obtained scores indicative of a high risk of EDs. These findings highlight the need for further investigation of this issue and underscore the importance of implementing preventive and therapeutic interventions.