The mean EAT-40 score was below the cut-off score of 30 that indicates risk of disordered eating attitudes, and it was comparable to scores of control subjects in the EAT-40 validation study [24]. Ziegler et al. [35] reported a similar mean EAT-40 score of 14.4 in a study of elite skaters; higher EAT-40 scores in that study were

associated with lower intakes of micronutrients but not with energy intake. In the current study, elevated EAT-40 scores were associated with older age and BMI but not with reported energy intake. Age and BMI are reported correlates of eating disorder risk among female skaters, as Selleck CYC202 physical changes related to puberty may cause negative self-perceptions [6, 29]. Even though the

mean EAT-40 score of this young group of skaters was not elevated, they did agree with many items related to restrained eating and Erastin ic50 preoccupation with weight and food and one-quarter of the skaters had elevated scores. In comparison, the lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in a nationally representative sample of US adolescent females was only 0.3% and 1.3%, respectively [36]. Therefore, skaters need anticipatory guidance to avoid unhealthy weight Compound C clinical trial control behaviors and they should be monitored for signs of caloric restriction or pathogenic weight control. Research suggests nutrition education should consider more than BMI

when assessing for energy restriction [16]. Instead, athletes should be encouraged to discuss their body image and body weight concerns to enhance understanding of their dietary practices and satisfaction with current weight and body composition [6]. Training staff should encourage the development of realistic weight and body composition goals and should monitor their own comments or views on appearance to prevent the development of negative self-perceptions among young skaters [6, 10]. Limitations of the present study include the reliance on self-reported data and the use of three-day food records. Food and activity records were reviewed with FAD a study staff member, however the collection and review of data were separated by two months. Records may have contained missing or incomplete records that led to misrepresentation of dietary intake and physical activity level. Future studies may combine written instructions with in-person education on the completion of dietary and physical activity records to maximize accuracy. In addition, they may consider shortening the span between collection and review of records, perhaps even utilizing daily review of records to minimize missing or misreported data. Finally, data were collected during training season; the findings of this study may not be generalized to off-season.