Eating disorder risk and the role of clothing in collegiate cheerleaders' body images.
BACKGROUND
With increased media coverage and competitive opportunities, cheerleaders may be facing an increase in eating disorder (ED) prevalence linked to clothing-related body image (BI).


OBJECTIVE
To examine ED risk prevalence, pathogenic weight control behaviors, and variation in clothing-specific BI across position and academic status among collegiate cheerleaders.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and II institutions.


METHODS
Female collegiate cheerleaders (n = 136, age = 20.4 ± 1.3 years, height = 160.2 ± 8.1 cm, weight = 57.2 ± 8.3 kg).


METHODS
Participants self-reported height, weight, and desired weight and completed the Eating Attitudes Test. Body image perceptions in 3 clothing types (daily clothing, midriff uniform, full uniform) were assessed using sexbased silhouettes (body mass index = 18.3 kg/m(2) for silhouette 1, 23.1 kg/m(2) for silhouette 4).


RESULTS
The ED risk for cheerleaders was estimated at 33.1%. However, when body mass index was controlled using backward stepwise logistic regression, flyers had greater odds (odds ratio = 4.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.5, 13.2, P = .008) of being at risk compared with bases, but no difference was noted between the base and back-spot positions (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval= 0.5, 6.6, P = .333). A main effect of BI perceptions was seen (P < .001), with a significant interaction by clothing type (F(2,133) = 22.5, P < .001, η(2) = 0.14). Cheerleaders desired to be smaller than their perceived BIs for each clothing type, with the largest difference for midriff uniform (2.6 ± 0.8 versus 3.7 ± 0.9), followed by full uniform (2.7 ± 0.8 versus 3.5 ± 0.9) and daily clothing (2.8 ± 0.8 versus 3.5 ± 0.9).


CONCLUSIONS
Cheerleaders, especially flyers, appear to be at risk for EDs, with greatest BI dissatisfaction when wearing their most revealing uniforms (ie, midriffs). Universities, colleges, and the national governing bodies of these squads need to focus on preventing eating disorders and BI dissatisfaction and promoting self-esteem.
Department of Physical Education and Athletic Training, University of South Carolina, 1300 Wheat Street, Blatt PE Center 218, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. torresmc@mailbox.sc.edu
Toni M
TM
Torres-McGehee
Eva V
EV
Monsma
Thomas P
TP
Dompier
Stefanie A
SA
Washburn
D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003020:Clothing / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013177:Sports; D055815:Young Adult