Weight on the bar vs. weight on the scale: Disordered eating pathology in competitive female powerlifters

Disordered eating research in sport psychology has arisen due to the need to investigate sub-clinical populations. The need for a qualitative approach to enquiry has been acknowledged by scholars, however these continue to be done in aesthetic sports with non-lean sports seldom examined in the same manner. Athletes in weight-class sports, such as powerlifting, have been identified through objectivist frameworks as at risk for disordered eating. Powerlifting requires a high energy intake to lift maximal loads, which was predicted may lead to clashes with disordered eating pathologies, particularly due to its weight-class requirement. The aim of the study therefore was to uncover disordered eating pathology through stories provided by participants. A subjective paradigm was drawn upon to guide the investigation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 national and international female powerlifters. Thematic analysis revealed a mixture of unique sporting factors, preoccupation surrounding food imposed by the sport, as well as societal norms regarding the female body, all contributed to disordered eating in some form. In particular, the battle between the aim of the sport which involves adding ‘weight on the bar’, and its weight-class requirement requiring athletes to monitor ‘weight on the scale’, is highlighted. Applied implications are discussed, as well as future recommendations for research in the hope of extending findings and creating an awareness regarding disordered eating in non-lean sports, where insufficient inquiry exists.