Eating behaviors associated with TCA in university students attending a sports training center Conductas alimentarias asociadas a TCA en estudiantes universitarios que asisten a un centro de formación deportiva

Abstract

The increase in manifestation of disordered eating behavior (TCA) in the younger population as such as few studies existing about these disorders in Latin America and especially Colombia, was necessary the exploration of these with students, members of a private university of Bogota, wich was attending a sports training center to investigate the existence of risk factors associated with eating disorders that were related to the type of physical activity, perception of body image and possible compensatory behaviors related eating behavior. The study was descriptive cross-sectional using a sample of 66 students, calculated using the EpiInfo program, taking the infinite population with a confidence level of 95% and 10% error. Students were administered the survey of eating behavior (ECA), which measures risk factors associated with eating disorders such as eating habits, body image perception, compensatory behaviors, among others. Studied the race at that time was taken into account, type in gym class and number of days attending the Centre. Anthropometric measures such as weight, height, folds were taken. IMC was calculated and across survey variables with anthropometric measures, risk factors associated with TCA were obtained. The results showed that 44% (n = 29), which received positive ≥ 24 in ECA had more risk factors associated with Bulimia Nervosa, among which are found being female, age between 18 and 20 years, have distorted body image to the overestimation of body weight, the use of weight loss diets, self-induced vomiting, use of diuretics or laxatives without prescription, feeling anxiety about food and experience guilt after eating, despite having adequate nutritional status for their age, height and gender. Given the findings to create strategies for prevention and early treatment is necessary to decrease the prevalence of eating disorders in college and improve their quality of life.