Evaluating the muscularity-oriented eating test: factor structure and psychometric properties among university athletes and across sexes

Objective: The Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) was developed to measure muscularity-oriented eating pathology among young men; however, this construct is relevant across sexes and may be particularly applicable to athletes. Thus, this study sought to validate the MOET among male and female athletes and non-athletes. Methods: Students (N = 2189) from three U.S. universities completed an online survey. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) testing two MOET versions (12-items, 15-items) were conducted in male and female athletes and non-athletes. Chi-squared tests and invariance analyses were used to evaluate the fit of each model across groups. Convergent validity of the MOET was assessed with Spearman correlation tests. Results: A one-factor CFA displayed adequate fit for 12-item and 15-item versions across all groups, except the 15-item version in the full sample. Chi-squared tests indicated superior fit of 12-item MOET CFAs among male and female athletes, female non-athletes, and all participants compared to 15-item models (adjusted p < .050); no difference in fit was evidenced between 12-item and 15-item CFAs for male non-athletes (adjusted p = .062). Both versions showed similar convergent validity. Conclusions: A 12-item MOET may provide improved screening for muscularity-oriented eating pathology in male and female athletes and female non-athletes.