The Effect of Anxiety and Nutritional Habits on the Body Distortion of Athletes

Abstract

Background: Anxiety disorders have been rising globally, particularly among adolescents and women. However, the relationship between diet, psychological traits, and anxiety levels in athletes remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the nutritional and psychological differences between athletes with varying anxiety levels, hypothesizing that higher anxiety correlates with unhealthier dietary habits, greater body distortion, and less adaptive psychological profiles. Methods: A total of 58 athletes (23 women, 35 men), aged 18 to 45 years (mean age = 30.2 years), participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using validated online questionnaires, including the Big Five Inventory, Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), as well as surveys assessing nutritional habits and physical activity levels. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (v24.0), with independent t-tests to compare differences between higher and lower anxiety groups (p < 0.05). Results: It has beenindicated that higher anxiety was associated with greater neuroticism, lower psychological flexibility, and higher eating disorder symptomatology, while better sleep quality and psychological profiles correlated with lower anxiety levels. Additionally, athletes who cooked their own meals exhibited higher anxiety, whereas greater water intake and whole grain consumption were linked to lower anxiety. More frequent and intense training, particularly weight training, was also associated with reduced anxiety. Conclusion: This study concludes that anxiety in athletes is influenced by multiple lifestyle factors, including sleep quality, dietary habits, psychological traits, and exercise patterns. These findings emphasize the need for holistic approaches integrating nutrition, psychological interventions, and structured physical training to manage anxiety in athletes.