College athletes are at risk of developing disordered eating and other distorted behavioral patterns, often because of aesthetic and performance demands of their sports. Gender, links between weight/body fat and performance, athletic body stereotypes, and type of sport all contribute to such demands. There have been studies of body image and behaviors among elite and college athletes, yet no comprehensive study exists of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes in a wide range of sports. This article reports the results of a baseline study of more than 1,200 athletes in 34 sports and ways in which the university Body Image and Health Task Force has collaborated with the Department of Athletics in addressing perceptions and behaviors among athletes. The authors believe this socially responsible collaboration is one approach to creating social change.
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