Exploring energy availability, eating behaviors, and bone health in female collegiate athletes and non-athletes

Date of Completion

5-3-2024

Degree Type

Honors Thesis - Campus Access

Discipline

Health & Human Sciences (HHSC)

First Advisor

Hawley Almstedt

Abstract

Current research indicates that female collegiate athletes, particularly runners, may be at greater risk for disordered eating. Intuitive eating can promote healthy eating behavior and adequate calorie intake. Caloric intake is a central variable in calculating energy availability. Previous work has shown that energy availability may be the underlying cause of low bone mass in active individuals. Poor bone health can contribute to injury, which for athletes, often prevents optimal performance. PURPOSE: This study aims to provide insights about energy availability, intuitive eating, and bone health in both female college athlete and non-athlete populations. METHODS: Female college athletes [A] (n=13, 19.9±1.3yrs) and non-athletes [NA] (n=12, 19.5±1.4yrs) recorded their diet and exercise for 3 days. Diet information was analyzed using Food Processor software. Bone health and body composition were measured using a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometer (DEXA). Participants completed the Intuitive Eating Scale and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. RESULTS: Intuitive eating was inversely correlated with disordered eating (r=-0.596, p=0.002). Runners consumed significantly more calories, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein (g/kg) than non-athletes. Intuitive eating scores were not correlated to calorie intake (r=-0.24, p=0.29), bone health (r=0.07, p=0.77), or percent body fat (r=0.11, p=0.63). Energy availability and bone mineral density were not found to be significantly different between runners and non-running controls. CONCLUSION: Intuitive eating is associated to healthy eating behaviors in college-age females and does not appear to be related to body composition. Further research is needed on intuitive eating in relation to bone health and energy availability in non-athlete female populations.

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