OBJECTIVE: To compare the body image dissatisfaction among young male athletes with and without risk for eating disorders (ED) and between sports thinness/weight class and collective/ power. METHODS: Participants were 464 young male athletes aged between 10 and 19 years, practitioners of 12 sports. We used the Body Shape Questionnaire and the Eating Attitudes Test to assess body image dissatisfaction and eating behavior, respectively. We measured up skinfolds, body weight and height to estimate body fat percentage and calculate the body mass index, respectively. We conducted univariate analysis of covariance to compare body image dissatisfaction among groups of sports and with/without risk to ED. RESULTS: The results showed no differences in body image dissatisfaction among groups of sports. Furthermore, the findings indicate differences in scores according to BSQ groups with and without risk for ED (p < 0,05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the type of sport practiced not stressed body image dissatisfaction, however, athletes with inappropriate eating behaviors demonstrated higher depreciation with weight and physical appearance.
Eating behavior; body image; athletes
