Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Science and Human Ecology

First Reader/Committee Chair

Dr. Neal Malik

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine eating patterns among college athletes attending a minority-serving, urban institution where commuting is highly prevalent to assess potential risks of disordered eating, nutrient deficiencies, and food insecurity. A total of 189 students [M age (SD) = 20.29 + 1.46 years] from a mid-sized university in the U.S. responded to an anonymous online survey. The survey consisted of questions regarding food security, hydration/beverage status, demographics, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, and food consumption patterns. Findings indicated a low prevalence of severe disordered eating behaviors within this sample. However, attitudes about disordered eating were present among participants. Athletes reported a fear of getting fat (31.7%) and of body weight influencing self-judgment (18.5%). Specifically, female athletes more commonly agreed with those statements. College athletes reported not receiving food funding (81%), and have not received formal nutrition education (53.4%). Certain food groups, such as vegetables, white meat, and bread, were consumed in moderation, and fruit and fish consumption were consumed less frequently. Results also indicated that the consumption of diet soft drinks, coffee or tea, and mixed alcoholic beverages differed significantly among sports, although the Chi-square test assumptions were violated, which therefore likely influenced the validity of these results. These findings were partially supported through existing literature and should be addressed within the athletic community. Future research is needed to better understand how eating behaviors can develop over time in athletes by conducting a longitudinal study and implementing dietary tracking tools.

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