Body type, weight control and possible anorexia nervosa in jockeys

Abstract

<p>The eating and weight reducing behaviours of a group of male jockeys were investigated to determine a possible relationship to the disorder Anorexia Nervosa.</p> <p>Informal interviews and the Eating Attitudes Test were used to assess the degree of anorexic-like behaviour present and to determine the relative contributions of personal and socio-cultural factors in the development of their eating patterns. Somatotyping was used to define the general physical type of the jockey and to determine the extent to which physical factors contributed to the observed eating behaviours.</p> <p>These data indicate that the eating behaviours of the population simulate Anorexia Nervosa and that this is an adaptive response to cultural pressure to maintain a low body weight.</p>