An Investigation of the Effect of Bodybuilding on Eating Disorder and the Tendency to Addiction

Several sports and activities are associated with an increased risk of eating disorders and a tendency to drug abuse. Bodybuilding is a sport in which eating disorders, as well as drug abuse, are among common concerns. The current study was conducted with the aim to compare tendency to addiction and eating disorder in male bodybuilders and non-bodybuilders.   This research was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 50 bodybuilder athletes and 50 non-bodybuilder athletes in Shahrekord city. The sample was selected using convenience sampling. In order to collect data, "Zargari Addiction Potential Questionnaire" and "Eating Attitude Scale" were used. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and independent t-test.   None of the sample group members suffered from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, but results of independent t-test showed that the tendency to eating disorder in bodybuilders is significantly higher than non-bodybuilders (P=0.034). Also, results of independent t-test showed no significant difference in tendency to addiction between two groups (P=0.964).   Broader understanding of the factors leading to a greater tendency to eating disorder and addiction may help decrease these disorders. The current research findings have important implications for future research.