what can you do?
Prevention is possible. As a coach, being aware of the problem is the first step in helping protect your athletes from the harmful consequences of eating disorders. Understanding the proper nutrition needs of adolescent athletes and not pressuring your athletes to diet, but rather educating them on healthy eating and exercising habits are paramount in helping to prevent the development of eating disorders. Furthermore, being able to recognize the warning signs of someone who already has an eating disorder is highly important – the faster you can recognize the problem, the sooner your athlete can get the help he or she needs.
Thankfully, there are many resources to help you as you work to ensure the health and happiness of your athletes. A few of them are listed here:
Thankfully, there are many resources to help you as you work to ensure the health and happiness of your athletes. A few of them are listed here:
- National Eating Disorder Association's Coach Toolkit
- Eating Disorders Online: Anorexia Athletica
- American College of Sports Medicine: The Female Athlete Triad