Background/Objectives: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an emerging behavioral pattern characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy eating. Despite its prevalence, ON lacks formal diagnostic criteria in major classification systems like the DSM-5 and the ICD-10. This study aims to investigate the impact of socio-cultural attitudes towards body image and the role of social media on the risk of ON among female football players from Poland, Turkey, and India. This study hypothesizes that socio-cultural pressures and media usage significantly influence the risk of developing ON, particularly in cultures more exposed to Western beauty ideals. Methods: The study was conducted from May to August 2024, employing the Computer-Assisted Web Interview method. A total of 142 female football players aged 16–36 from Poland, Turkey, and India participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic information and health metrics, the Socio-Cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, and the Duesseldorf Orthorexia Scale. Statistical analyses included an ANOVA, the Kruskal–Wallis test, the chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The study found that nearly half of the participants were at risk of or presented with ON, with the highest prevalence being among Indian athletes. Statistically significant relationships were observed between the risk of ON and factors such as age, dietary exclusions, social media usage, and sources of nutritional information. However, no significant correlation was found between socio-cultural attitudes and the risk of ON, suggesting that other factors may play a more critical role. Conclusions: While socio-cultural pressures and media use are contributing factors to the risk of ON, psychological factors and individual behaviors appear to be equally, if not more, significant. This study highlights the importance of targeted educational programs and psychological support for young athletes, with a focus on promoting healthy dietary practices and positive body image perceptions across varying cultural contexts. Additionally, the results suggest the need for further research into the specific psychological and behavioral mechanisms underlying ON.

[Purpose] Low energy availability (LEA) and mental health issues are prevalent among female athletes and can have adverse effects on health and sports performance. This study aimed to assess energy availability and, mental health status (depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, drug misuse, alcohol misuse, and disordered eating) among female football players. Despite the availability of validated tools for the triads and REDs, few studies have focused on the prevalence of LEA and mental health in female football players. Furthermore, limited information is available on LEA and its consequences in India.[Methods] Professional female football players (n=25) aged 19-30 years were recruited using incidental sampling. LEA was estimated based on energy availability [energy intake – activity energy expenditure] and LEA female questionnaire (LEAF-Q). Sports mental health assessment tool-1 (SMHAT-1) was used to assess the mental health status. Descriptive statistics and chi square test were used to test the hypotheses.[Results] According to the factorial method and LEAF-Q, 24% and 12% of players had LEA, respectively. LEA symptoms, such as decreased gastrointestinal and menstrual function, were observed in 16% of participants, while 8% had a history of injury. 44% of the participants exhibited poor mental health. Sleep disturbance (12%) and disordered eating (44%), were among the most common mental health issues. No significant difference was found between LEA, disordered eating, and sleep disturbance.[Conclusion] Female football players were more likely to develop LEA and mental health disorders, such as disordered eating and sleep disturbance. LEA was not linked with disordered eating or sleep disturbance. Early detection of LEA and effective intervention enhances the health and performance of female football players.

[Purpose] Despite the promising health benefits of finger millet, there is a notable lack of research specifically examining its effects on athletes’ mental health. Therefore, the present narrative review aimed to explore the potential of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) in enhancing the mental health status of athletes.[Methods] For this narrative review databases like “PubMed,” “SPORTDiscus,” “Scopus,” “ProQuest” and “Google Scholar” were referred to identify and analyze the studies to determine their relevance and findings.[Results] Studies have shown that nutritional intervention has a significant impact on mental health through improved mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Finger millet is a valuable reservoir of vital nutrients , including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which play crucial roles in reducing oxidative stress and cortisol levels, which are key factors in mental health disorders. Furthermore, low glycemic index and high dietary fiber content of finger millet contribute to stable blood sugar levels, which are crucial for maintaining mental stability and preventing stress-induced cortisol spikes. Dietary fiber in finger millet also helps in boosting the gut microbiota, which helps in stimulating mental and cognitive health through the gut-brain axis.[Conclusion] Given the physical and psychological demands on athletes, incorporating finger millet into their diets could offer a holistic approach for improving both performance and mental well-being. Despite these promising findings, the specific effect of finger millet on athletes' mental health remains unclear. This review highlights the need for more focused research on this topic, emphasizing the potential of finger millet as a na-t ural dietary intervention to enhance mental health and stress management in athletes. We conclude by calling for more comprehensive studies to fully understand the mechanisms and benefits of finger millet in athletic populations, aiming to bridge the current gap in the literature and pave the way for evidence-based dietary recommendations.

Purpose: The study investigated the status of bone mineral density (BMD), serum Vitamin D and calcium and their association with performance outcomes in national-level Kho-Kho players. Methods: Kho-Kho players ( n = 52; aged 16–31 years) undergoing training in a national camp were recruited. A lumbar spine (L1–L4) scan was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess BMD. Blood samples were obtained to assess serum calcium and Vitamin D3 status. The 30-m sprint and Illinois tests were used to estimate speed and agility performance, respectively. The Spearman correlation and linear regression were used to ascertain the association between BMD and performance outcomes. Results: T-score was lower in 22.5% (mean ± standard deviation: 0.32 ± 0.96; range: −2 to +3), and serum Vitamin D3 was lower (20=<30 ng/ml) in 54.9% of players. No significant correlation between BMD (T-score and Z-score), serum Vitamin D3 and calcium was observed. T-score ( r = 0.295, P < 0.05) and Z-score ( r = 0.321, P < 0.05) were significantly positively correlated with speed but not with agility. An association was also found between Z-score (standardised-β: 1.38, confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–2.44, P < 0.01) and T-score (standardised-β: 1.49, CI: 0.37–2.62, P < 0.01) and speed. Conclusion: Low BMD and Vitamin D3 deficiency were prevalent amongst Kho-Kho players. Speed performance has an association with BMD.

Mental health issues are prevalent among athletes as well as non-athletes due to various psycho-physiological and environmental stresses. Finger millet being rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and high fibre, can be potentially effective in maintaining and improving mental health and cognition. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of the finger millet diet on mental health and meta-cognitive skills in athletes and non-athletes. 57 participants (males; 27 athletes and 30 non-athletes; 18 to 25 years) were randomly divided into experimental (EGA: experimental group athletes; n = 15; EGNA: experimental group non-athletes; n = 15) and control (CGA: control group athletes; n = 12; CGNA: control group non-athletes; n = 15) groups. The experimental group was provided with a finger millet diet (replacing 1/3rd of daily regular cereals) and a control group with a regular (rice/wheat) diet for 60 days. Mental health and meta-cognitive skills were measured via validated questionnaires. The SMHAT scores showed a significant decrease in sleep disturbance (p = 0.008) and a declining trend in depression (p = 0.059) and anxiety (p = 0.087) in EGA and no significant difference in CGA. The MHI scores showed significantly increased anxiety (p = 0.050), depression (p = 0.010) and psychological distress (p = 0.012) in CGNA while EGNA showed no significant difference in pre and post-test. MCSS subscales viz., implementation (p = 0.040), monitoring (p = 0.013) and total meta-cognitive skills scores showed significant improvement in EGA (p = 0.050) and no significant changes in CGA, EGNA and CGNA. Finger millet helps in improving mental health, sleep quality and meta-cognitive skills in athletes and help in the maintenance of mental health in non-athletes.