Predictors of Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Nutrition and Dietetics Professionals and Athletes in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background - Disordered eating behaviors are influenced by a variety of personal and professional factors. Professions that emphasize body image, such as nutrition and athletics, may be particularly vulnerable to these behaviors. This study aimed to examine disordered eating behaviors and investigate potential predictors, including professional specialization, BMI, educational attainment, and age, among nutritionists and athletes in Jordan. Methods - A cross-sectional design was used with self-report questionnaires administered to 190 participants (138 nutritionists, 51 athletes) aged 18 to 50 years (M = 28.8, SD = 7.8). Disordered eating behaviors were assessed using the Arabic version of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Demographic variables, BMI categories, educational levels, and age were analyzed as potential predictors. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results - Logistic regression analysis revealed that athletes had significantly higher odds of disordered eating risk compared to nutritionists (OR = 7.75, 95% CI [3.35, 17.91], p < .001). Participants with secondary education or lower were at increased risk compared to those with postgraduate degrees (OR = 0.27, 95% CI [0.07, 0.93], p = .013). BMI was also associated with risk, with individuals in the underweight and normal weight categories showing higher odds of disordered eating compared to those classified as overweight. Conclusions - The findings suggest that professional specialization, educational attainment, and BMI are significant predictors of disordered eating risk among nutritionists and athletes in Jordan. These results underscore the importance of early identification and targeted interventions for individuals in professions where food, body image, and performance are closely linked.