This study investigated eating and deviant behaviors in bodybuilders
according to their competitive engagement. Semi-structured interviews
were conducted with 16 bodybuilders of different skill levels. Results
revealed that dietary strategies and deviations (e.g., disordered eating,
doping use, addictive training) developed with competitive commitment.
Bodybuilders who intend to engage in competition are in a critical period
for the development of deviant behaviors, in relation with increasing drive
for muscularity and performance, and coaching pressure. These findings
extend the existing literature on deviant behaviors in bodybuilding by
providing better insight in the dynamics of development of disordered
eating and associated behaviors.