Researchers in Greece compared how professional female dancers eat and their body composition to non-dancer women of similar age. They found that dancers had better muscle mass and strength, ate less fat and more protein, and got more vitamins and minerals. However, dancers showed signs of being more restrictive with food, which could be concerning. The study suggests that while dancers may have healthier body composition, they might be at risk for unhealthy eating patterns. Understanding these differences could help protect dancers’ health and prevent eating disorders in this group.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether professional female dancers have different eating habits, body composition, and attitudes toward food compared to women who don’t dance professionally.
  • Who participated: 170 adult women in Greece: 68 professional dancers and 102 non-dancers of similar ages. All participants were volunteers who completed surveys and physical measurements.
  • Key finding: Dancers had better muscle mass, ate more protein and fewer unhealthy fats, and got more vitamins and minerals. However, dancers showed 5% higher scores on a test measuring restrictive eating behaviors, suggesting they may be more controlling about what they eat.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a dancer, you may naturally eat healthier and have better fitness. However, it’s important to watch for signs of overly restrictive eating habits. If you’re not a dancer, this shows how professional training affects nutrition choices. Anyone concerned about eating habits should talk to a healthcare provider.

The Research Details

This was a case-control study, which means researchers compared two groups: professional dancers (the ‘cases’) and non-dancers (the ‘controls’). Both groups were adult women of similar ages living in Greece. The researchers measured each person’s body size, muscle mass, and strength. They also asked detailed questions about what people ate over several days and used two special questionnaires to understand their attitudes toward food and eating.

The researchers used standard measurement tools to ensure accuracy. They collected information about height, weight, muscle mass, and grip strength. For diet, they used food records. For eating attitudes, they used two well-known tests: the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). These tools help identify unhealthy thinking patterns about food and body image.

After collecting all the information, researchers compared the two groups to see what differences existed. They also adjusted their analysis to account for factors like total energy intake, which helped them understand whether differences were due to dancing itself or just eating less overall.

Case-control studies are useful for comparing specific groups and understanding how a particular activity (like professional dancing) affects health behaviors. This approach is especially good for studying eating disorders because it allows researchers to compare people with different risk levels. By matching dancers and non-dancers by age, the researchers could focus on how dancing specifically affects eating habits rather than age differences.

This study has several strengths: it used standardized measurement tools that are recognized worldwide, it matched participants by age to reduce confusing factors, and it measured multiple aspects of health (body composition, diet, and eating attitudes). The study included a reasonable number of participants. However, the study was conducted only in Greece, so results may not apply to all countries. The study is observational, meaning it shows associations but cannot prove that dancing causes these eating patterns. Additionally, participants were volunteers, which might mean they were more health-conscious than the general population.

What the Results Show

Dancers had significantly better body composition than non-dancers. They weighed less, had more muscle mass, and had stronger grip strength—all signs of better physical fitness. This makes sense because dancing requires strength and builds muscle.

Dancers also ate differently. They consumed less total energy (calories) and less fat, but they ate more protein. This dietary pattern supports muscle building and maintenance, which aligns with the physical demands of professional dancing.

When researchers looked at specific nutrients, dancers got more of many important vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene (which becomes vitamin A), vitamin D, B vitamins, biotin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. However, dancers got less iron and zinc than non-dancers. These differences suggest dancers may be eating more plant-based foods and fewer iron-rich foods like red meat.

The concerning finding was about eating attitudes. Dancers scored 5% higher on a test measuring restrictive eating—meaning they were more likely to limit their food intake intentionally. This pattern could indicate unhealthy control over eating, even though their overall nutrition appeared adequate.

When researchers adjusted for how much total energy people ate, they found that non-dancers actually had higher scores for eating concerns and anxiety about food. This suggests that when you account for how much dancers restrict calories, the anxiety about food is actually lower in dancers. This is an important distinction because it shows that dancers’ restrictive eating may be more intentional and controlled rather than driven by anxiety, though this still warrants monitoring.

Previous research has shown that dancers are at higher risk for eating disorders compared to the general population. This study adds nuance to that finding by showing that while dancers do exhibit more restrictive eating behaviors, they may not necessarily experience more anxiety about food. The better body composition in dancers aligns with other research showing that professional training improves fitness. However, the restrictive eating patterns confirm concerns raised in earlier studies about the need for eating disorder prevention in this population.

This study only included women in Greece, so the findings may not apply to male dancers, dancers in other countries, or different cultural contexts. The study is observational, meaning it shows that dancers and non-dancers differ, but it cannot prove that dancing causes these differences—it’s possible that people with certain eating habits are more likely to become dancers. The study relied on volunteers, who might be more health-conscious than average. Additionally, the study measured eating attitudes at one point in time, so it cannot show how these attitudes change over a dancer’s career. The study also didn’t examine whether the restrictive eating patterns actually lead to eating disorders or health problems.

The Bottom Line

For professional dancers: Be aware that restrictive eating patterns are common in your field, but they can become unhealthy. Focus on eating enough protein and nutrients to support your training. Work with a sports nutritionist who understands the demands of dance. For everyone: If you notice signs of restrictive eating, anxiety about food, or obsessive thoughts about body image, talk to a healthcare provider. These may be early warning signs of eating disorders. For dance organizations and coaches: Consider implementing nutrition education and screening for eating disorders as part of regular health monitoring.

This research is most relevant to professional and semi-professional dancers, dance instructors, and coaches. It’s also important for parents of young dancers and for healthcare providers who work with dancers. The findings suggest that dancers need special attention to eating disorder prevention. However, the findings don’t mean all dancers have eating problems—many dancers eat healthily and have positive relationships with food.

Changes in eating attitudes and behaviors typically take weeks to months to develop. If someone is working to improve their relationship with food, they might notice changes in anxiety and stress within 2-4 weeks. However, establishing truly healthy eating patterns usually takes several months of consistent effort. If someone is concerned about eating disorders, seeking help early is important because these conditions can develop quickly.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily protein intake (in grams) and total calories consumed. Set a goal based on your activity level and body composition goals. This helps ensure you’re eating enough to support your training while maintaining awareness of overall intake. Aim to log meals for at least 3-5 days per week.
  • Use the app to set reminders for regular meal times rather than skipping meals or eating only when hungry. Create a ‘balanced plate’ template that includes protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. If you notice restrictive patterns emerging (like consistently eating below recommended amounts), use the app to set alerts that prompt you to check in with how you’re feeling about food.
  • Weekly review: Check your average daily intake of protein, calories, and key micronutrients (especially iron and zinc, which were lower in dancers). Monthly reflection: Rate your relationship with food on a simple scale (1-10) and note any changes in anxiety about eating. If you notice increasing restriction or anxiety, flag this to discuss with a healthcare provider. Consider sharing weekly summaries with a sports nutritionist or dietitian.

This research describes associations between professional dancing and eating patterns but does not prove that dancing causes eating disorders or that all dancers have unhealthy eating habits. If you or someone you know is struggling with eating, body image, or food anxiety, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or mental health professional. Eating disorders are serious medical conditions that require professional treatment. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice. If you are a dancer concerned about your eating habits, consider working with a sports nutritionist or eating disorder specialist who understands the unique pressures of your field.