The Spectrum of Eating Behaviours in Athletes: Health and Performance Consequences

Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and Binge Eating Disorder (BED), as outlined in the DSM-5, are increasingly observed among athletes, affecting their health, well-being, and career longevity. Significantly more prevalent in the athletic community than in the general population, these disorders are linked to the higher physical demands and aesthetic pressures prevalent in certain sports. Particularly in sports where weight control is crucial for performance or appearance—such as gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running—athletes face heightened risks. These conditions not only endanger athletes' health but also potentially truncate their professional careers, emphasizing the importance of effective preventive and intervention strategies.

This Research Topic aims to explore how competitive sports contribute to eating behaviors and nutritional issues among athletes, delve into the root causes of eating disorders in these environments, and propose actionable, evidence-based interventions. The goal is a comprehensive analysis covering a wide spectrum of sports and demographics, which will aid in reducing both the prevalence and impact of these disorders.

To foster a more comprehensive understanding, this topic embraces contributions that address several critical aspects, including:
- Studies exploring eating behaviors and habits among athletes.
-Studies examining the prevalence of eating disorders among diverse sports disciplines and athlete populations.
- Comparative research detailing differences in nutritional health between elite athletes and their non-elite counterparts.
- Longitudinal studies tracking nutrition and health outcomes in athletes over various stages of their careers.
- Investigations into the direct effects of specific eating disorders on physical performance and recovery.
- Analysis of both risk and protective factors in athlete populations, with a focus on creating resilient nutritional strategies.
- Research that offers new perspectives or solutions for improving athlete dietary habits and managing disorders.
- Guidelines and strategies for coaches, trainers, and health professionals to foster a healthier sports environment.

Keywords: Eating Disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Body Image, Athletes, Nutrition, Longitudinal Studies, Sports Professionals, Early Intervention, Eating Disorder, Anorexia, Bulimia, Exercise, Athlete, Sport, RED-S, Gymnastics, Relative Energy Deficiency, eating behaviour, eating habits

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.