Body Composition and Risk of Eating Disorders in Dance Students

Abstract

Introduction: To analyze the relationship between body composition in students of contemporary and classical dance and the risk of eating disorders. Methods: Twenty-five students from contemporary dance and classical dance training programs at a public university participated in the study, all signed informed consent forms. Anthropometric assessment was conducted in the fasting state and after bladder voiding by a Level 3 anthropometrist. Measurements were taken in duplicate, with a third measurement performed when necessary. Data were entered into ISAK Metry software using the five-component fractionation profile. Risky eating behaviors were assessed using the EAT-18 questionnaire. All data were recorded in Excel and analyzed using JASP. Results. The body composition of the sample showed a somatotype of 4.2 (± 1.08) – 3.7 (± 0.98) – 2.0 (± 1.09), fat mass of 17.52 (± 2.78) kg, and muscle mass of 19.26 (± 3.15) kg. Mesomorphy was higher in the contemporary dance group (p = .032), whereas ectomorphy was higher in the classical dance group (p = .025). When analyzing the relationship between EAT-18 scores and body composition, higher scores were found among individuals with greater endomorphy. Conclusion: The study revealed differences in body composition between classical and contemporary dance students, with greater endomorphy observed in the classical dance group, although both disciplines exhibited a predominance of endomorphic characteristics. Endomorphy, rather than dance type, was associated with a higher risk according to EAT-18 scores. Given the small sample size, these results should be interpreted with caution; however, they highlight the need to integrate body composition assessments and mental health support to promote healthier dance training.