Relationship between team sport participation and weight control behaviors in adolescents

Abstract

Although studies find positive effects of physical activity, team sports, and social aspects of participating as part of a team, body image and concerns about weight and shape have been found to be related to underlying reasoning for participation in sports and other forms of physical activity. Involvement in sports and physical activity due to these motivations are shown to lead to exercise addiction and poor eating behaviors. This study investigates the relationship between sport participation and weight control behaviors among adolescents. The two research questions addressed are: 1) Do adolescents who participate in team sports have a higher prevalence of weight control behaviors than those that do not?; 2) Are there differences between power team sports and weight-related team sports in relation to weight control behaviors? Behavioral data was collected and analyzed from the EAT 2010 (Eating and Activity in Teens) study for differences between participants of the following groups: power team sports, weight-related team sports, and not involved in team sports. Analysis showed no significant differences in weight control goals or behaviors between adolescent participants of power team sports, weight related team sports, or not involved in team sports. There was also a high prevalence of weight loss goals and weight loss behaviors among each group. It is important to understand that dieting, weight loss goals, and weight control behaviors occur across multiple groups within the adolescent population when developing interventions to improve nutritional status and reduce disordered behaviors.