Abstract des Autors

The prevalence of various abnormal eating behaviors was determined in four groups of swimmers varying in ability using a health history survey. Questions regarding satisfaction with current body weight and previous use of methods for body weight regulation (fasting, diet pills, laxatives, or vomiting) were a portion of the history form. Forty senior national level (24 female: 16 male), forty-three junior national level (22 female: 21 male), thirty-two Olympic trial qualifiers (16 female: 16 male) and twenty-seven developmental level (14 female: 13 male) swimmers completed the history forms. A smaller percentage of junior national caliber swimmers (F=30%; M=28%) were discontent with their body size compared to the other three groups. A similar pattern of response was seen in the use of methods to control body weight. The two groups (Sr. National and Olympic Trials) with a higher reported prevalence used multiple methods and reported use of each category of weight control behavior. It appears that either the caliber or the age of the athlete influences the choice of weight control behavior and the use of multiple methods. Verf.-Referat