To obtain descriptive information concerning female bodybuilders and women who weight train, a questionnaire concerning training regimes, menstrual history and dieting strategies was developed and administered with the EDI included as part of the questionnaire. Factors assessed included: incidence of menstrual irregularity, scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), prevalence of behaviors associated with eating disorders, and mean body fat. Subjects were between the ages of 18 and 35 and included individuals from Personal Health Classes at Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Weight Lifting Club, and Goad's Gym in Blacksburg, Virginia. Subjects were classified by activity (weight lifters versus controls), involvement (high, moderate and low) and competition (noncompetitive and competitive).

Chi-square analysis indicated that there was no difference in incidence rates of menstrual irregularity between weight lifters (WLs) and controls (Cs); however, the rates of both groups were higher than the general population. Although there was no difference in menstrual function of involvement groups, 50% of the competitors, significantly more than non-competitors, were classified as oligomenorrheic or amenorrheic.

All subject groups had mean scores approaching anorexic patient norms on the EDI Bulimia and Maturity Fears subscales. WLs were significantly higher on Drive for Thinness than Cs and more WLs had subscale scores higher than the mean scores presented for anorexics. Additionally, significantly more WLs reported uncontrollable urges to eat, fear of fat, and history of anorexia. Mean %BF of the WLs was 20.18% with competitors being significantly leaner than non-competitors.

The high degree of menstrual dysfunction in both WLs and Cs is confusing; yet, the 27% incidence of oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in WLs is much higher than the rates documented for the general population. The high Drive for Thinness and incidence of negative eating behaviors indicate that the prevalence of eating disorders in this population may progress as this relatively new sport evolves and competitive participation increases.