Preliminary Finding: Survey on Eating Disorder and Nutritional Status among Young Athletes

Chee Ping Fadzel Wong* & Hangerica Harold Sinpong

Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Dr. Chee Ping Fadzel Wong, Nutrition Programme, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Keywords: Eating Disorder; Athletes; Aesthetic Sports; Energy Intake; Physical Activity; EAT-26

Abstract

Introduction
It is well documented that eating disorders will have a negative impact on health status and athletic performance. The risks of eating disorders among athletes are required to be detected early before it affects athlete’s health and exercise performance. To date, there is still scanty information on eating disorder and nutritional status among young athletes in Sabah.
Objective
The objective of this study was to determine eating disorders and nutritional status among young athletes in Sabah.
Methodology
A total of 55 young athletes who are active representatives of sports competitions were selected to participate in this study. Eating attitudes test questionnaires (EAT-26) was used to determine eating disorder risk. International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and 3-days food diary were used to determine nutritional status and physical activity level. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 was used to analyse the collected data. Pair-t test was used to compare energy intake of subjects with the recommended nutrient intake for Malaysia (PAL2.0). The significant level is p<0>

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