Food insecurity is associated with disordered eating behaviors in NCAA division 1 male collegiate athletes

J Am Coll Health. 2020 Feb-Mar;68(2):105-109. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1529035. Epub 2018 Nov 2.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationship of high school and collegiate household food security to current disordered food consumption behaviors in a sample of NCAA Division 1 male, collegiate athletes. Participants: Male athletes, 18 years and older from a Southeastern Conference university in August-September 2016. Methods: Cross-sectional survey including food security disordered eating behavior, and food hoarding questions. Results: Among participants (n = 111), high school food insecurity was significantly correlated with a preoccupation with food, but not binge eating in college. Collegiate food insecurity was significantly correlated with a preoccupation with, and hoarding of, food in college. Conclusions: Among male collegiate athletes, both high school and collegiate food insecurity are associated with preoccupation with food, and collegiate food insecurity is associated with food hoarding. Screening for both high school and collegiate food insecurity and disordered behaviors in athletes is warranted. Future research in a larger sample, including females, across institutions is warranted.

Keywords: Disordered eating; food hoarding; food insecurity; male collegiate athletes; sport nutrition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Athletes / psychology*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Food Insecurity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sports / psychology
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Universities
  • Young Adult