Final answer:
The statement about 1/8 of female athletes struggling with eating disorders is likely true, as it is supported by data showing that up to 12 percent of dancers develop eating disorders, which is higher than the general population.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that about 1/8 of female athletes may struggle with eating disorders aligns with data suggesting a significant portion of this demographic faces such challenges. Indeed, up to 12 percent of dancers, a group that epitomizes the pressures faced by female athletes and those in related disciplines, develop anorexia or bulimia, a figure that is notably higher than the general population's estimated 2 percent prevalence.
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa are serious conditions that can affect anyone, but they are particularly common in populations where there is a high cultural ideal of thinness or pressure to maintain a certain weight or appearance. This is often the case for dancers, gymnasts, and other elite athletes. Therefore, it is plausible that about 1/8 of female athletes may struggle with eating disorders, making the original statement likely to be true.