Disordered Eating Patterns and Body Image Perception in Athletes and Non-Athletes Students

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between body image perception and eating patterns in athletes and non athletes. The study also aimed to explore the gender difference of eating patterns and body image perception in athletes and non-athletes. The cross-sectional research design and purposive sampling technique were used in this research. The sample size of the study was 160 (80 athletes and 80 non-athletes) students. Data were gathered from different institutes of Lahore that included University of the Punjab, Govt. College University, and University of the Lahore. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were selected. Research measures were used to assess the study variables i.e. eating patterns were measured by Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ; Strien, 2002) and body image perception was assessed by Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16; Evans, 1993). Independent sample t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that non-athletes students have more disordered eating patterns than athletes. On the other hand, no difference was observed in the body image perception in athletes and non-athletes. Results showed positive correlation between disordered eating patterns and body image perception in athletes and non- athletes students. No gender differences were found between the disordered eating patterns and body image perception in athletes and non- athletes. The findings of the study have important implications for athlete and non-athlete adults and highlight the importance of counseling for students which inturn may help improve their eating patterns and perception regarding their body.