Coaches Say Lighter Is Better, but at What Cost? A Qualitative Exploration of the Lingering Impact of Body Image on Disordered Eating in Retired Elite Women Athletes

Women athletes often experience body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, contributing to a heightened risk of developing an eating disorder throughout their athletic career. Yet, the experiences of body image and disordered eating are not understood in retirement from sport. A qualitative description study with semi-structured interviews was used to describe body image and disordered eating in eight retired elite women athletes from various sports. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, analyzed inductively, and organized into three themes. The first theme "Social influences and instigators of disordered eating while competing in sport" reflects motivators of disordered eating with sub-themes: (a) coaches are uncaring and unqualified, (b) parents set the "tone," for better or for worse, and (c) peers are not always friends, though some show support. The second theme "The pinnacle of disordered eating" depicts behaviors and feelings experienced at the peak of career with sub-themes: (a) losing weight by any means necessary and (b) the physical and emotional tolls. The third theme "Reshaping the self and compensatory behaviors" describes participants' experiences after ceasing competition with sub-themes: (a) changes in identity and (b) compensatory eating and exercise. The results highlight diverse social-cultural factors influencing body dissatisfaction and disordered eating onset. Ultimately, results may help inform intervention strategies that will improve the overall health and well-being of women athletes both during sport and into retirement.