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Int J Sports Med 2010; 31(4): 283-288
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248241
Nutrition

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Risk Behaviors for Eating Disorders in Brazilian Dancers

L. G. Ribeiro1 , G. V. da Veiga1
  • 1Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Department of Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision January 08, 2010

Publication Date:
10 February 2010 (online)

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Abstract

This study investigated the frequency of risk behaviors for eating disorders and their association with anthropometric, demographic, and socioeconomic variables in Brazilian professional dancers. Portuguese-language versions of the Eating Attitudes Test and of the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE) were applied to 39 female and 22 male dancers considered to be some of the best classical ballet performers in Brazil. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Risk behaviors for eating disorders were observed in 31% of the dancers. Those who had a percentage of body fat above (PR=4.04; 95% CI=1.42–11.47) or below (PR=3.57; 95% CI=1.04–12.24) what is considered normal for the profession, and those who lived alone (PR=3.13; 95% CI=1.16–8.48) presented higher risk for eating disorders. In conclusion, the frequency of risk behaviors for eating disorders among the Brazilian dancers was high, which seems to be associated with the physical requirements of the profession. Those who are outside the BF% expected for dancers and those who live alone are the groups most vulnerable to developing eating disorders, and thus are the ones which are most in need of receiving special attention in regard to the intervention measures.

Key words

anorexia - bulimia - ballet - body fat

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Correspondence

Prof. Gloria Valeria da VeigaPhD 

Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Department of Nutrition

Av. Brigadeiro Trompowisky

s/n ° Ilha do Fundão

CCS Bloco J, 2 ° andar

CEP21941-590

Rio de Janeiro

Brazil

Phone: +55/21/2562-6595

Fax: +55/21/2280-8343

Email: gvveiga@globo.com

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