Examining the Relationship between Exercise Dependence, Disordered Eating, and Low Energy Availability

Both dietary and exercise behaviors need to be considered when examining underlying causes of low energy availability (LEA). The study assessed if dependence is independently related the risk LEA with consideration disordered eating athlete calibre. Via survey response, female (n = 642) male 257) athletes were categorized by of: eating, dependence, or not presenting as controls. Compared controls, likelihood being at was 2.5 times for >5.5 combined dependence. Male without more likely report signs symptoms compared controls-including suppression morning erections (OR 3.4; p < 0.0001), increased gas bloating 4.0–5.2; 0.002) a previous bone stress fracture 2.4; 0.01) ≥22 missed training days due overload injuries 5.7; 0.02). For both males females, in absence an associated health outcomes. recreational athletes, international caliber national calibre less classified eating.