[Eating disorders in sports--sport in eating disorders].

OBJECTIVE: The current study presents one of the underprivileged populations of the national epidemiological scientific literature by the eating disorders. THE PURPOSE OF STUDY: Based on a review of selected publications over the past 10 years, the author summarizes definitions of the anorexia athletica and the female athlete triad.

METHODS: Analysis of the international epidemiological data.

RESULTS: The base definitions were more exact: the symptoms of anorexia athletica became differentiated, and the data of epidemiological studies were standing between smaller ranges. The "athlete triad" concept has got a new interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS: The strong correlation of eating disorders with excessive physical activity and sport underlines the significant role of the weight loss method among diagnostical criteria of eating disorders. Among sportsmen, eating disorders have a higher prevalence (23-25%).