Eating Disorders in Athletes: The Role of the Coach Athlete Relationship
Key Takeaways
Athletes are at a higher risk of developing disordered eating and exercise habits.
Coaches can play an important role in athletes' self-talk and body image.
Coaches are uniquely positioned to identify symptoms eating disorders in athletes, such as:
Excessive, compulsive, and/or compensatory exercise
Restrictive eating
Negative body talk
Body checking
Creating a welcoming and safe team environment is a big part of maintaining athletes' well-being and performance.
Disordered Eating and Exercise in Athletes
The link between being an athlete and a higher risk of disordered eating and exercise habits has been studied since the 1970s. Athletes often face intense pressure regarding performance, body shape, diet, and appearance. These standards can come from anywhere, yet they are often passed along by coaches. But coaches can also be an important buffer between toxic sports culture and their athletes.
Being an athlete comes with expectations to perform well. Because of this, athletes are often told how to reach peak performance. They may be pressured to eat a certain way, train as hard as possible, stay at a certain weight, or even look a certain way. Some coaches suggest things like losing weight, believing it will help performance. However, most coaches are not qualified to make personalized recommendations about diet and weight management. Regardless of a coach's education, these types of suggestions can be risky, especially for a population that's more likely to develop disordered eating. Even when the intention is good, these messages can increase body dissatisfaction.
How Coaches Can Avoid Promoting Disordered Eating and Excessive Exercise
Self-criticism is likely to increase when a coach puts more pressure on winning than on improving and working hard. Wanting to win isn’t inherently negative. It's when winning is emphasized more than learning and growing that it becomes detrimental. Self-criticism is harmful to performance and confidence, but it is also a risk factor for developing disordered eating. So let’s get into how coaches can help.
Support all body types and sizes
Avoid commenting on athletes’ bodies
Compliments about appearance can reinforce unhealthy behaviors
Avoid negative body comments, which can increase body dissatisfaction
Check biases
For example, question why they might think "leaner is better"
Stay within their expertise
If they are not trained in nutrition, they should avoid giving diet advice
Refer athletes to a dietitian or healthcare professional when needed
Coaches can increase risk of eating disorders in ways that don't directly relate to eating or exercising. The way they give feedback is also a factor that matters. Harsh or critical feedback negatively impacts both an athlete's performance and self-talk. Criticism should always be constructive, meaning it helps an athlete improve in some way. Criticism aimed at shaming or demeaning an athlete risks increasing self-criticism.
How Coaches Can Reduce Self-Criticism
Give feedback that helps athletes improve
Avoid criticism meant to shame athletes for mistakes
Focus on process goals (what athletes can control) over outcomes (winning or losing)
Celebrate success, but emphasize the effort and process behind it
Along with protecting against unhealthy pressures, coaches can also detect disordered ideals and behaviors in their athletes. They are with their athletes when they exercise, but also when they may have conversations about their physique, eating habits, and their physical/mental health.
Identifying as a "committed athlete” can act as a disguise for many disordered behaviors. Sports culture can label restrictive diets as "clean eating," and adding extra workouts as dedication. A lot of disordered eating and exercise behaviors go unnoticed since sports culture so readily normalizes them. But if coaches know what signs to look for, they can be some of the first people to detect behaviors and intervene. Being informed also allows them to model a healthy relationship with food, exercise, and body image.
Warning Signs of Disordered Eating and Exercise
Excessive or compulsive exercise
Frequently exercising outside of team practice often
Training while injured or sick
Feeling upset when they cannot exercise
Compensatory exercise or other compensatory behaviors
Using exercise to “make up for” or "burn off" calories eaten
Restricting food if they miss a workout
purging or frequent trips to the restroom after eating
use of laxatives or diet pills
Restrictive eating
Avoiding entire food groups
Constant fatigue, irritability, or frequent injuries
Obsessive calorie or macro tracking
Negative body talk or checking
Saying negative things about their body
Wanting to change their body shape or weight
Frequently checking their appearance in mirrors or other ways
Coaches are a vital part of building team culture. They set the tone for how athletes treat their bodies and each other.
Ways to Foster Positive Mental Health Through the Coach/Athlete Relationship
Coaches can play such important roles in athletes' mental and physical health. Eating disorders or disordered eating can ultimately lead to decreased speed, strength and coordination. The more they know, the better equipped they are to foster a healthy team culture and cultivate strong athletes, both physically and mentally. Here are a few tips to cultivate positive mental health on a team.
Accepting all body types
Avoiding pressure of athletes to change their bodies
Not shaming food choices
Encouraging proper fueling every day, not just on training days
Promoting rest and recovery, even if athletes feel pressured to push through injury or illness
Avoid weigh ins or body composition checks
The coach-athlete relationship has far-reaching effects, ranging from athletic performance to self-talk. Fostering a psychologically safe environment puts coaches in a better position to recognize if their athletes are struggling and to support those who are. Professionals like eating disorder therapists and registered dietitians can make a big difference for athletes experiencing body image concerns and/or disordered behaviors. Coaches can act as great advocates for athletes to receive this sort of professional support.
How to Seek Support as a Coach or Athlete
Whether you are a coach looking for tips on how to support an athlete through disordered eating and exercise, or you are an athlete struggling with an eating disorder, Serendipity Counseling is here to help. Here we offer compassionate individual therapy for eating disorders in athletes, as well as their support network. Follow the steps below to start your recovery journey!
Connect with our eating disorder and sports therapist. Schedule a free consultation to see if you are a good fit.
Schedule an appointment for in-person or virtual therapy.
Start your healing journey towards being the strongest version of yourself!
If eating disorder therapy does not feel like a good fit for you, check out our other services. Serendipity Counseling offers therapy for body image issues, Relative Energy Deficiency in sport (REDs), performance anxiety, and everything inbetween that will help you be the athletic version of yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions for Coaches and Athletes
What are some red flags for eating disorders in athletes?
Eating disorders can be difficult to recognize in athletes because some behaviors may look like discipline. Red flags can include skipping meals, strict food rules, anxiety around eating, exercising through injuries, frequent body checking, fear of weight gain, mood changes, fatigue, injuries, or changes in performance. Eating disorders can affect athletes of any body size, gender, or sport.
Why is the coach athlete relationship important?
Coaches have a powerful influence on how athletes view themselves, their bodies, and their performance. A supportive coach helps athletes feel valued beyond results and creates an environment where athletes can ask for help. Focusing on fueling, recovery, and strength is healthier and more effective than focusing on weight.
What to do if your coach tells you to lose weight?
Pause and ask questions about why weight loss is being suggested and how it connects to performance. Your body size does not determine your value as an athlete. If the recommendation leads to restriction, anxiety, or unhealthy behaviors, consider talking with a sports dietitian or therapist who understands athletes.
What to do if you think an athlete is struggling with an eating disorder?
Start with compassion and curiosity. Share what you have noticed without focusing on weight or appearance. Encourage them to seek support from professionals who specialize in eating disorders. A coach’s role is to support the athlete and help connect them with resources, not diagnose or treat.
How can coaches support athletes in preventing eating disorders?
Coaches can support athletes by creating a culture that values health, effort, and growth over body size or appearance. Encouraging proper fueling, rest, recovery, and open communication helps athletes build a healthier relationship with food and training.
Can an athlete have an eating disorder even if they are performing well?
Yes. Many athletes with eating disorders continue to perform at a high level, especially early on. Performance does not always reflect what is happening internally. An athlete may still be struggling with anxiety, restriction, exhaustion, or unhealthy behaviors. However, this is not sustainable. Relative Energy Deficiency in sport (REDs) comes into play when the fuel coming in, does not match the energy exerted. It impacts everything from muscle recovery, hormones, cardiovascular function and emotional well-being.
Why is fueling important for athletic performance?
Food provides the energy athletes need for training, recovery, focus, and overall health. Under-fueling can increase risk of injuries, fatigue, mood changes, decreased performance, and health concerns like REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in sport).
How should coaches talk about food and weight with athletes?
Coaches should avoid comments about weight, body size, or appearance. Instead, conversations should focus on performance, strength, recovery, energy levels, and overall well-being. Athletes need to know they are valued beyond their body or results.
What role do parents play in supporting an athlete with an eating disorder?
Parents can help by creating a supportive environment, listening without judgment, and helping their athlete access appropriate care. Avoiding comments about weight or dieting and focusing on health and connection can make recovery easier.
When should an athlete seek help for eating concerns?
An athlete should seek support when food, exercise, or body image thoughts start causing stress or interfering with daily life. Early support can prevent concerns from becoming more severe and help athletes return to performing and living fully.
