Eating Attitude, Body Image, Body Composition, and Dieting Behavior among Dancers

Eating Attitude, Body Image, Body Composition and Dieting Behavior among Dancers

                Hidayah, G., & Bariah, S. (2011). Eating Attitude, Body Image, Body Composition and                                                        Dieting Behavior among Dancers. Asian Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2011.

Purpose of Study:

                The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of eating disorder risk in a population of dancers, along with the comparison of body composition between the dancers and a control group, attitude towards eating, dieting behavior, and concern over body image. This is due to the prevalence of eating disorders found in dancers due to an obsession with body image.

Methods and Materials:

                The study was conducted by providing a self-administered questionnaire which included a Body Attitude test and Eating Attitude Test. Dieting behaviors were also monitored on twenty-three dancers and fifty “lean subjects.” The measurements taken were of height, weight, skinfold thickness of super iliac crest, thigh, abdomen, and triceps.

Summary of Results/Conclusion

                After collecting the data, it was concluded that dancers (21.74%) are at high risk of developing an eating disorder than those in the control group(12%).  The data recorded from the body fat percentage and body weight should no significant differences between the two groups. Based off the questionnaires, a correlation between a negative attitudes towards eating with a negative body image. Diet pills, purging, and the use of laxatives were diet behaviors of dancers revealed through the study. Such harsh and extreme dieting techniques were directly related to an obsession of gaining weight.

Critique of Study:

                                To dismiss any sampling errors or criticism of the study, the researchers should have made the number of subjects in each of the groups equal. The number of dancers and subjects in the control group should have both been fifty. This would level the playing field and legitimized the results of the study more.

Practical Application:

                The results of this study can be utilized by dancer teachers, choreographers, and other authority figures in the dance industry to promote healthful living to their students. It presents the threat and reality that dancers face in the industry ,as well as, provides the necessary information to combat this epidemic.