Eating Behaviors and Mentality among College Age Female Athletes and Non-Athletes

Jeffrey A. Dennis, University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Hannah Hamilton, University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Research suggests that female college athletes may deal with issues relating to management of body weight and body image differently than other college women. Increased physical activity and higher caloric demands may lead to eating behaviors aimed at both maintaining physical fitness while at the same time managing societal norms relating to female physique. Preliminary findings suggest that female athletes eat more frequently, but are more cognizant of the type of food, and similarly find themselves thinking about food more regularly. Additional data collection at multiple universities will provide more robust results in examining this issue.