Do Swedish rock-climbers exhibit more eating disorder and body dissatisfaction symptoms than non-climbers? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives The inclusion of rock-climbing in the Olympic Games has increased participation in the sport and attention to athletes' health. In sports where the importance of low body weight is considerate, there is an increased risk of developing eating disorders (EDs). There is sparse research on EDs among rock-climbers. The primary aim was to map ED symptoms among rock-climbers compared with controls. The secondary aim was to analyze differences in body dissatisfaction. Comparisons between rock-climbing levels and sexes were performed.Design This is a cross-sectional study in a larger prospective longitudinal study series, CLIMB: Climber’s Longitudinal attitudes towards Injury, Mental health and Body image, using baseline data.Participants Swedish rock-climbers, at an advanced and elite level according to the International Rock Climbing Research Association, participated. Participants were at least 13 years old. 183 rock-climbers partook with a mean age of 29.5 (SD=9.1) with two participants under 15 years old. 180 controls partook with a mean age of 29.0 (SD=8.9). There were no control participants under 15 years of age.Primary and secondary outcome measures Data was gathered through a self-report questionnaire collecting the primary outcome measure, ED symptoms (Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) V.6.0) and the secondary outcome measure, body dissatisfaction (Body Shape Questionnaire-8C).Results There were no differences between rock-climbers and controls regarding ED symptoms. Symptoms were higher among female rock-climbers (26%) than male (5.8%). Regarding body dissatisfaction, the control group reported higher levels compared with rock-climbers. At least a mild concern was observed in 13.3% of male rock-climbers, compared with 47.4% of females.Conclusions Although there was no difference in the EDE-Q V.6.0 between rock-climbers and controls, females reported significantly more symptoms than men. Regarding body dissatisfaction, female rock-climbers exhibited higher levels of dissatisfaction than males. Further, higher levels of dissatisfaction were reported in controls, especially in men, where symptoms were three times higher than rock-climbers.Trial registration number NCT05587270.