The frequency of weigh-ins, weight intentionality and management, and eating among male collegiate athletes.

Sociocultural pressures in male athletics emphasize masculinity in the form of muscularity, leanness, and physical strength. Although research has examined extensively weight, weigh-ins, and weight pressures among female athletes, these issues have been minimally considered with male athletes. Thus, our purpose was to examine the weight environment and practices of NCAA (i.e., Divisions I, II, III) collegiate male athletes from 19 different sports (e.g., basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, wrestling). Specifically, we surveyed 698 male athletes regarding frequency and circumstances of team weigh-ins, weight management behaviors, weight intentions, caloric intake, and guidance received for healthfully managing weight and eating. Overall, relatively few male athletes reported undergoing mandatory team weigh-ins (21.8%). However, within this subgroup required to engage in them, most weigh-ins occurred at least once per week or more (59.2%), and most athletes' weights were made public (75.7%). Just over 30% of the weighed athletes used at least one strategy to prepare for weigh-ins, primarily relying on exercise or caloric restriction. The majority (85.2%) wanted to change their weight, primarily by gaining muscle mass. Most athletes received guidance from qualified sources (e.g., athletic trainer) regarding healthy weight management (63.5%) and nutrition (70.2%). Overall, few male athletes are subjected to mandatory weigh-ins, and such participation is not related to pathological weight control behaviors. Further, male athletes appear to have access to qualified sources for information on healthful management of weight and eating, which may help them as they pursue their goals of increased muscularity and strength.