Prevalence of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among ROTC Cadets

Abstract

Injury risk is multifactorial including non-modifiable and modifiable factors such as nutrition and mental health. The purpose of this study was to estimate eating disorder risk and body image (BI) dissatisfaction among Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. A total of 102 (male: n = 75, female: n = 27; age: 20 ± 2 years) ROTC cadets self-reported height, current and ideal weight, and completed the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and self-perceived BI current and perceived sex-specific figural stimuli. The overall eating disorder risk for ROTC cadets was 32.4%. No significant differences were found when comparing sex, ethnicity, or military branch. Overall risk of pathogenic behaviors included 11.8% who reported binge eating; 8.8% who used laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills; 8.8% who exercised for >60 min to control their weight; and 8.8% who lost 9.1 kg or more within the last 6 months. We identified significant interactions (p ≤ 0.01) between sex of the solider, overall perceptions of male and female soldiers, and BI self-perceptions. The ROTC cadets in this study displayed eating disorder risk and BI dissatisfaction, which is concerning for tactical readiness, long-term behavioral health issues, and injury from pathogenic behaviors. Education and quality healthcare are necessary to mitigate the increased risk of eating and BI dissatisfaction within this population.

Investigation of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Female Competitive Cheerleaders

“…These findings are like previously reported ED risk ranging from 25–42% within aesthetic athletes [ 13 , 15 , 16 , 30 ]. Additionally, our results are comparable to ED prevalence rates previously reported in other non-aesthetic sports and physically active populations: 8% of soccer athletes [ 31 ], 11% of elite female athletes from various sports [ 32 ], 29% of auxiliary units [ 14 ], 32% of ROTC cadets [ 33 ], and 42% of equestrian riders [ 34 ]. Specifically, within the college cheerleading population, ED risk prevalence was previously reported at 33.1%, consistent with our findings [ 3 ].…”

Energy-Adjusted Dietary Intakes Are Associated with Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating but Not Food Insecurity or Sports Nutrition Knowledge in a Pilot Study of ROTC Cadets

“…ROTC cadets are also a unique subset of the college student population, having to navigate the college environment while also maintaining U.S. Army fitness and body composition standards. Due to multiple obligations, such as regular physical training, academic assignments, the introduction to military procedures, and the expected lifestyle changes that occur in college, cadets are susceptible to poor eating habits, poor body image, and disordered eating [ 5 ].…”

Body dysmorphic disorder, muscle dysmorphia, weight and shape dissatisfaction and the use of appearance-enhancing drugs in the military: a systematic review

“…These cadets had a significantly higher drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction6 ; a second study by Lauder et al of 423 female soldiers found that 8% of women were diagnosed with an eating disorder 10. Smith et al reported a multitude of pathological behaviours in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets such as binge eating; the use of laxatives, diuretics or diet pills; and excessive exercise 29. Campagna and Bowsher 11 reported prevalence rates of BDD (13% in men, 22% in women, 18% in soldiers, 12% in sailors, 13% in airmen) and prevalence rates of MD (13% in men, 4% in women).…”

“…Women expressed more dissatisfaction with their appearance and lower self-esteem compared with men5 which might explain the higher prevalence of BDD found in women 11. Apart from BDD and MD and their symptoms, eating disorders, eating disorder symptoms and disordered eating were also reported to be highly prevalent in military personnel, particularly in women 3 8–11 29 30…”