Presence of body dissatisfaction and signs of eating disorders among dancers

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the risk of ballerinas presenting body dissatisfaction and developing signs of eating disorders (ED) in the incessant search for the “perfect” body required. Methodology: This is a bibliographic review of the narrative type with a survey of scientific studies in the last 10 years, between 2012 and 2022, in the following databases: National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Virtual Health Library (VHL/BIREME). The keywords used were ballet and eating disorder. Results: Based on the evidence presented, the articles showed that the dancers were at high risk of eating behavior disorders and development of ED, however, it is important to offer nutritional and psychological follow-up that contributes to prevention and treatment. Conclusion: The studies report that there is a high risk of the dancers triggering body dissatisfaction and developing signs and symptoms of ED during the process of searching for the body considered ideal for better performance in the category.