Similar to findings on body image among American youth, a recent NCAA Student-Athlete Health Survey shows significant differences in weight and body image perceptions of student-athletes in women's and men's sports. . Male athletes scored 20 to 30 percentage points higher than female athletes on all measures of positive body image.
The association-wide study, conducted by NCAA faculty athletic representatives, began in October 2022 and concluded in June 2023. More than 23,000 student-athletes participated in the study.
The results of the full study were shared at the 2024 NCAA Convention in Phoenix.
“Student-athletes are the heart of college sports, and their health and well-being is extremely important to us,” said NCAA Chief Medical Officer Brian Hainline. “By collecting and analyzing data through these studies, we will be able to better support the physical, mental and emotional health of all student-athletes on and off the field.”
When asked about their body image, 68% of men and 45% of women felt good about their bodies, 53% of men and 35% of women were satisfied with their current weight, and men 59% of women and 31% of women are satisfied with their weight. What does it look like in the photo?
Black student-athletes were more likely to have positive perceptions of body image than other racial groups. This applies to all sports for men and women.
Although two-thirds of student-athletes perceived their weight to be appropriate for sport, the majority reported actively trying to change their weight. Female athletes were more likely to report that they perceived themselves as overweight for their sport and were trying to lose weight, whereas male athletes were more likely to report that they were underweight. and were more likely to report trying to gain weight.
Swimming and diving had the highest percentage of athletes of both genders who reported feeling overweight for the sport. Wrestling stood out as the only men's sport with more athletes trying to lose weight than gain weight.
Participants were also asked about their nutritional habits. The majority reported eating healthy foods and trying to consume at least three meals per day.
Student-athletes reported using a variety of supplements to improve their diet. The most used supplements in the past year were protein products (44%), energy drinks (44%), multivitamins (41%), creatine (23%), and other additives such as caffeine and probiotics. and multivitamin/minerals (22%). ). Energy drink use by female student-athletes has nearly doubled since 2017. Three times as many male student athletes use creatine as female student athletes.
When it comes to access to healthy food, 43% of men and 30% of women said healthy food options were readily available after practice or a game. Furthermore, 49% of men and 45% of women said they could afford to eat a healthy meal every day, and 50% of men and 32% of women said they had time to eat a healthy meal every day.
The health topic that student-athletes want coaches and athletics administrators to discuss more with their teams is proper nutrition, followed by mental health, quality sleep, weight management, and body image. .
“Identifying trends in data is critical to most effectively supporting student-athletes on campuses across the country,” said James Hall, Director of Sports Psychology and Wellness Services, Ohio State Athletics. said. “Each student-athlete's situation is unique and we need to take the time to get to know each individual and understand their personality to help them be at their best nutritionally, emotionally and physically.”
For more information about the study, visit the NCAA Research website.
