Sustainable Nutrition Strategies for Rhythmic Gymnasts: Balancing Performance, Health, and Early Prediction of Anorexia Risk

Background: Rhythmic gymnastics demands high technical precision, aesthetic standards, and optimal body composition—factors that increase vulnerability to restrictive eating patterns. Implementing sustainable diets in this context requires ensuring peak performance while addressing psychological risk factors, particularly the early predictors of anorexia nervosa.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a sustainable, performance-oriented nutrition program combined with predictive screening for anorexia risk in competitive rhythmic gymnasts.

Methods: Twenty-eight elite and pre-elite rhythmic gymnasts (mean age 17.8 ± 2.3 years) underwent a 12-week intervention integrating plant-forward, seasonally sourced diets with optimized macronutrient timing and micronutrient adequacy. Psychological risk was assessed using the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (Drive for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction subscales) and the SCOFF questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. Performance outcomes included flexibility, balance, and aerobic endurance tests; dietary sustainability was assessed via estimated GHG emissions and water footprint.

Results: The program maintained or improved technical performance (flexibility +5.4%, aerobic endurance +4.9%) while reducing average predicted anorexia risk scores by 18% (p<0.05). Environmental indicators showed a 24% reduction in GHG emissions and 20% lower water footprint without nutrient deficits.

Conclusions: Sustainable nutrition plans, when combined with early predictive screening for anorexia risk, can preserve performance and enhance mental well-being in rhythmic gymnasts. This approach supports both athlete health and environmental responsibility, providing a replicable model for aesthetic sports.