The sweet side of stress: food craving sex disparities among elite soccer players

Soccer remains the most widely embraced sport worldwide, with significant growth in both the male and female sectors. However, scientific discourse on sports nutrition, particularly within soccer, has primarily focused on male athletes, leaving female athletes largely understudied. Food craving (FC) has become a key factor influencing eating behaviors and weight management, with notable sex-related differences. Despite its relevance, research on FC within female professional athletes, particularly among women soccer players (WSPs), remains scarce. This preliminary study aims to explore the interaction between WSPs, sex, and competitive stress, hypothesizing associations between female players’ FC and increased competitive stress. Seventy-five elite Spanish soccer players participated, including 33 women and 42 men. Data analysis revealed significant gender disparities in FC, stress levels, and self-esteem, with WSPs exhibiting higher FC and stress levels, particularly toward sweet foods, as well as higher competitive anxiety and lower self-esteem than male players. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between competitive stress, anxiety, and FC in both sexes. These findings underscore the importance of sex-specific nutritional interventions and psychological support tailored to the unique needs of female athletes, emphasizing the need for further research to deepen our understanding and optimize the performance and well-being of elite female soccer athletes.