Weight Suppression and Gender as Predictors of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Shape Concerns in DanceSport Undergraduates

Introduction: DanceSport dancers face additional partnership-related pressures alongside aesthetic ideals and competitive performance demands, which may elevate body shape concerns and the risk of eating disorders (EDs). To our knowledge, this is the first study to test a gender-stratified, weight suppression-mediated model in a partnered aesthetic-athletic discipline (DanceSport). This study aimed to examine the prevalence of ED risk and body shape concerns among DanceSport undergraduates. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 250 DanceSport undergraduates (female: n = 128; male: n = 122) using the validated Eating Attitudes Test and Body Shape Questionnaire to assess ED risk and body shape concerns. Results: DanceSport undergraduates exhibited significant gender differences in ED risk and body shape concerns ( P < .001). Females demonstrated higher levels of weight suppression ( P = .042), higher frequency of laxative, diet pill, and diuretic use ( P < .001), and a higher prevalence of weight loss of 20 pounds or more within the past 6 months ( P = .039). ED risk and body shape concerns were strongly correlated ( P < .01). BMI ( P < .01) and weight suppression ( P < .05) were significantly correlated with ED risk. Years of dance experience showed a significant correlation with weight suppression ( P < .01). Gender and weight suppression emerged as significant predictors of both ED risk and body shape concerns ( P < .01), while BMI was a significant predictor of body shape concerns ( P = .001). Conclusion: Female DanceSport undergraduates exhibit disproportionately high ED risk than their male peers, with weight suppression as a key predictor. Long-term DanceSport participation may reinforce restrictive weight-control behaviors.