EATING DISORDERS AND BODY PERCEPTION IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS

Abstract

High-performance rhythmic gymnastics demands a linear, slim body and a high level of physical conditioning, making the pursuit of the ideal body a guiding principle in competitive settings. This context fosters distorted body perception and restrictive dieting, which may result in eating disorders. This integrative review analyzed the association between indicators of eating disorders and high-performance rhythmic gymnastics, drawing on searches in the Scielo, PEPSIC, PubMed and BVS-PSI databases between 2009 and 2022. Fifteen articles were selected. Findings indicate that internal factors — low self-esteem and perfectionism — and external factors — coaches' demands and aesthetic standards — interfere with gymnasts' eating behaviors, with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating being the most frequent conditions, often normalized in the competitive context, which delays diagnosis. The study concludes that multidisciplinary prevention programs and training of the coaching staff are needed to recognize and not normalize pathological behaviors.