The objective was to analyze the influence of the periodization of training on risk behaviors to eating disorders (ED) in female athletes. Participated 28 swimmers aged between 12 and 16 years. We used the subscales of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) to assess risk behaviors to ED. The swimmers were evaluated over a macro-cycle, comprising the following steps: overal preparation, specific preparation, competitive and tapering. The findings showed that frequency of restrictive (p<0,05) and purging (p<0,05) behaviors increased in competitive and tapering periods in relation to the initial phases of training periodization (preparatory general and specific). We concluded that the periodization of training in swimming influenced risk behaviors to ED. Soon, we identified that the competitive and tapering periods can be critical steps to the development of risk behaviors to ED in young swimmers.
Eating disorders; Athletes; Swimming