Concurrent Changes in Body Composition, Body Image, and Eating Behaviors in NCAA Division 1 Female Distance Runners Across an Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Season

Abstract

Parnell, S, Kaylor, MG, Johnson, MF, Addison, A, Braun-Trocchio, R, and Graybeal, AJ. Concurrent changes in body composition, body image, and eating behaviors in NCAA Division 1 female distance runners across an indoor and outdoor track and field season. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—This exploratory study evaluated concurrent body composition and psychological changes across competitive indoor and outdoor track seasons in NCAA Division I (DI) female distance runners. Eleven athletes (body mass index: 20.2 ± 1.3 kg·m ⁻² ; body fat percentage: 21.7 ± 3.1%; Cross-country 5k-PR: 18.8 ± 1.2 minutes; Miles/wk: 43 ± 9) completed anthropometric, body composition, body image (BI), disordered eating behaviors (DE), mood, depression, and female athlete triad risk factor (TRF) assessments on 3 occasions throughout a competitive track season (preseason, end-of-indoor, end-of-outdoor). Training loads and social media usage were also recorded. Significance was set at p < 0.050. Total, appendicular, and leg lean soft tissue (LST) increased from preseason-to-indoor ( p ≤ 0.043), whereas weight and total, appendicular, and leg LST decreased from indoor-to-outdoor ( p ≤ 0.038). Fat mass remained stable throughout. BI distortion and dissatisfaction were present at all timepoints. Although group-level psychological outcomes did not significantly change, early-season increases in body size were significantly associated with worsening BI, DE, and depression, with these adverse patterns persisting despite subsequent, later-season reductions in body size. Greater social media usage was significantly associated with weight loss and depression, and higher training loads were associated with DE severity. All athletes demonstrated low energy availability (EA) and accumulated additional TRF throughout. In this cohort of DI female distance runners, subtle seasonal fluctuations in body composition were associated with maladaptive BI and DE that persists despite weight loss. These findings highlight the importance of proactive, season-long monitoring by coaches and strength and conditioning professionals and programming strategies focused on preserving lean tissue, supporting EA, and mitigating sociocultural pressures endemic to endurance sport culture.