Abstract CrossFit is a strength-and-conditioning physical activity programme that some studies have shown results in healthier body image outcomes. However, prior studies have typically examined CrossFit in isolation, without adequate group comparison. This study aimed to investigate body image experiences in CrossFit athletes in comparison to weight-trainers and non-athletes. The study used a cross-sectional design in which CrossFit athletes, weight-trainers, and non-athletes from Brazil were asked to complete a measure of positive body image (i.e., body appreciation), negative body image (i.e., body dissatisfaction), and gender-specific muscle-oriented body image (i.e., muscularity concerns in women and muscle dysmorphia symptomatology in men). Betweengroup comparisons showed that CrossFit athletes and weight-trainers had healthier body image than non-athletes, but differences between the two groups were small. There were no significant between-group differences in muscularity concerns in women, whereas weight-training men had a significantly higher drive for size compared to both CrossFit athletes and non-athletes. Male CrossFit athletes and weight-trainers also showed significantly higher functional impairment as a result of exercise compared to nonathletes. These results suggest that participation in CrossFit may be a route to promoting a healthier body image while mitigating unhealthy muscularity-related attitudes and behaviours. More broadly, our results support the suggestion that physical activity is associated with a healthier body image.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar possíveis diferenças nos sintomas de transtornos alimentares entre homens e mulheres que praticam CrossFit e seus preditores nessa população. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal (abril a junho de 2019) com 194 adultos (103 mulheres e 91 homens) matriculados em academias de CrossFit particulares de Ribeirão Preto, com média de idade de 30,19 anos (DP = 5,34). Foram respondidos um questionário sociodemográfico, o Eating Attitudes Test-26 (sintomas de transtornos alimentares), o Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (internalização do ideal de corpo) e a Drive for Muscularity Scale (busca pela muscularidade). Resultados: As mulheres apresentaram mais sintomas de transtorno alimentar, maiores restrições alimentares e preocupação excessiva com a magreza. Além disso, mulheres mais jovens com IMC mais alto têm maior probabilidade de apresentar sintomas de distúrbios alimentares. Maior busca pela muscularidade e maior internalização geral dos padrões de corpo socialmente estabelecidos também foram associados com alimentação desordenada entre as mulheres. Nos homens, o comportamento orientado para a muscularidade foi o único preditor dos transtornos alimentares. Conclusão: Esses achados são relevantes, pois apontam que as mulheres praticantes de CrossFit parecem apresentar maior risco para o desenvolvimento de transtornos alimentares. Além disso, comportamentos orientados para a musculatura em homens e a busca pela muscularidade, internalização do ideal de corpo, IMC e idade nas mulheres são preditores de transtornos alimentares em praticantes de CrossFit.

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate differences in disordered eating symptoms between men and women who practice CrossFit and to evaluate its predictors in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study (April to June 2019) was carried out with 194 adults (103 women and 91 men) enrolled in private CrossFit boxes in Brazil, with a mean age of 30.19 years (SD = 5.34). Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (disordered eating), the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (body-ideal internalization), and the Drive for Muscularity Scale (drive for muscularity). A series of Student's t-tests was applied to test differences in disordered eating symptoms between men and women. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to evaluate predictors of disordered eating for both sexes. Results: Women showed greater disordered eating symptoms, dietary restrictions and excessive concern about thinness than men. Moreover, younger women with a higher BMI are more likely to have disordered eating symptoms. Higher drive for muscularity and greater general body-ideal internalization were also associated with disordered eating among women. In men, muscularity-oriented behavior was the only predictor of disordered eating. Conclusion: These findings are relevant, as they point out that women who practice CrossFit seem to be a high risk group for the development of eating disorders. In addition, muscularity-oriented behaviors in men and the drive for muscularity, internalization of the ideal body, BMI and age in women are predictors of disordered eating in CrossFit practitioners.