Also noted:
Preventing substance use and disordered eating: initial outcomes of the ATHENA (Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives) program
Article Outline
Elliot DL, Goldberg L, Moe EL, DeFrancesco CA, Durham MB, Hix-Small H. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2004;158:1043-9.
The objective of this well-designed study of 928 female high school athletes was to use a school-based, team-centered model of health promotion in order to reduce disordered eating habits and discourage the use of body-shaping substances. The intervention group had 8 weekly 45-minute discussions on key health topics incorporated into the usual practice schedule. Following the intervention, the authors found less use of diet pills and less use of athletic-enhancing substances (amphetamines, anabolic steroids, and sport supplements). Other risks were also reduced (eg, less riding with an alcohol-consuming driver, more seat belt use, and less new sexual activity). The intervention group also reported less inclination to use unhealthy weight control measures in the future.
PII: S0022-3476(05)00235-0
doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2005.03.025
© 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
