Eating disorders among classic ballet dancers

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence of eating disorders symptoms among classical ballet dancers. Methods: This is an analytical, observational, cross-sectional study, conducted in 2009, that investigated eating disorder symptoms using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE). The body image of the study population was assessed by the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). In addition, the anthropometric assessment was performed – measurement of weight, height and skin folds, calculation of body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Results: Of all the 139 emale adolescents assessed, 4.4% (n=6) had nutrition problems and 23% (n=23) presented abnormal values of body fat. The analysis of the EAT concluded that 12.3% (n=17) of the girls presented positive results for anorexia nervosa (AN). The BITE results showed that 13.7% (n=19) ofthe girls had unusual eating habits and 6.5% (n=9) presented subclinical bulimia nervosa (BN). As for severity, 3.6% (n=5) of the girls presented clinically significant results and 1.4% (n=2) were diagnosed with high severity. Concerning the results of the BSQ, 15.7% (n=21) of the girls were slightly concerned about body image; 5.2% (n=7) were moderately worried, and 6.7% (n=9) were severely concerned about it. Conclusion: This study did not diagnose the occurrence of eating disorders but found symptoms of AN (Anorexia Nervosa) and BN (Bulimia Nervosa). Its main purpose was to alert about the prevalence of the possible development of eating disorders due to the influences of the environment where the teenagers are inserted – under a model defined by the classic ballet dance and the psychological turmoil of adolescence. doi:10.5020/18061230.2013.p396

Keywords

• Transtornos Alimentares
• Estado Nutricional
• Adolescentes.