by Carolyn Hill, Cécile Vigne, Patrick Basset, Volker Scheer, David Baud This cross-sectional study aims to screen for eating disorders and low energy availability, as well as identify associated factors among female trail runners. An online survey was used, collecting participants’ sociodemographic data, trail running habits, medical indicators, and screening questionnaires for eating disorders (BEDA-Q) and low energy availability (LEAF-Q).
A total of 276 female trail runners were included in the analysis. The mean age was 36.2 (± 8.1) years and body mass index (BMI) was 22.0 (± 2.5) kg/m 2 .
They reported 6.2 (± 5.0) years of trail running experience and 7.7 (± 4.3) hours of training per week. Statistical analysis was conducted to analyse the frequency of positive screening based on the sociodemographic characteristics, trail running habits, and medical indicators.
Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with a positive screening for eating disorders and low energy availability. A total of 53.6% participants had a positive BEDA-Q score (defined as a score ≥ 0.27), screening positive for eating disorders.
PLOS ONE (Medicine) published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 13 May 2026.
The item focuses on Screening for eating disorders and low energy availability in female trail runners: A cross-sectional study.
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