Key Takeaways
If you suspect an athlete has an eating disorder, talking with their coach can be an important step, but it takes care and the right approach. Focus on specific concerns, use supportive and non-judgmental language, and steer the conversation toward professional help. Coaches, trainers, and families work best as a team.
- Approach the conversation with specific observations, not assumptions about weight or appearance.
- Use supportive, non-judgmental language and protect the athlete’s privacy.
- Frame the goal as the athlete’s health and getting professional support, not blame.
- Coaches and trainers are part of a support team, alongside medical and mental health professionals.
- Eating disorders are treatable, and early, caring conversations can help an athlete reach care sooner.
Introduction
Eating disorders affect many athletes, including female athletes and adults dedicated to athletics who may develop disordered eating and body image issues. Disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder commonly impact athletes in sports where physical appearance or body weight is emphasized, like gymnastics or cross country.
When you suspect an athlete is struggling with unhealthy eating behaviors, symptoms of eating disorders, or disordered eating patterns, it is critical to approach the athlete’s coach or athletic trainer thoughtfully. Coaches and athletic trainers play key roles in daily training routines and provide opportunities to identify elevated risk and encourage athletes with eating disorders to get help early.
This article guides adults on how to talk to a coach about an athlete’s eating problem, ensuring communication is supportive, respects confidentiality, and promotes a recovery process focused on physical health and well-being.
Recognizing Disordered Eating in Adult Athletes
Adult athletes may develop eating disorders and disordered eating due to pressures associated with body shape, body type, or appearance-based expectations in their sport or activity. Common symptoms of eating disorders include drastic food restriction, changes in food intake, obsessive calorie counting, avoidance of meals with teammates, or excessive exercise beyond normal training routines.
Disordered eating in athletes commonly manifests as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa but can also include binge eating disorder and other associated disorders. These unhealthy eating behaviors impact physical health, menstrual cycles in female athletes, self-esteem, and the ability to participate in sports effectively. Athletic trainers and coaches familiar with such symptoms can intervene sooner when informed about the risk of eating disorders.
Why Talking to the Coach Matters
Coaches are often in a position to notice changes early. Athletes in lean and weight-focused sports show elevated rates of disordered eating (Mancine and colleagues, 2020), and national clinical guidance emphasizes that early identification and a coordinated care team improve outcomes (Crone and colleagues, 2023).
The coach and athletic trainer are often essential support figures for an athlete and have a significant influence on the athlete’s eating habits, physical health, and mental well-being. Educating a coach about the presence of disordered eating, eating and body image concerns, or suspected eating disorders assists in:
- Adjusting training expectations to prioritize the athlete’s health and recovery over performance or body weight.
- De-emphasizing weight and appearance-based pressures common in athletics, reducing stigma around treatment for eating disorders and disordered eating patterns.
- Providing appropriate accommodations, referrals to healthcare professionals or dietitians, and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
- Coordinating with healthcare professionals, support groups, and other members of the athlete’s care team to offer comprehensive guidance and support.
Such effective communication fosters confidentiality, trust, and a network of support that can promote recovery and help someone with an eating disorder reestablish healthy eating behaviors and positive self-talk.
How to Initiate the Conversation with a Coach
Approaching a coach or athletic trainer about an athlete’s disordered eating requires careful planning, mindfulness, and sensitivity. To support coaches in understanding and addressing eating disorders and associated risks, consider these steps:
- Choose the right time and setting: Engage the coach in a private, calm environment away from practice or competition to maintain confidentiality and allow for an open dialogue.
- Express concern with empathy: Use “I” statements to affirm your observations, such as, “I’ve noticed some changes in [athlete’s name]’s eating habits and body image that concern me.”
- Focus on health and well-being: Emphasize your goal is to support the athlete’s physical health and recovery as part of sports participation, not to criticize their athletic performance or body shape.
- Share observations, not diagnoses: Describe specific disordered eating behaviors or symptoms of eating disorders seen, avoiding labels or assumptions.
- Offer resources and encourage professional evaluation: Suggest a referral to a healthcare professional specializing in eating disorders or a dietitian experienced with athletes, and point to support groups such as those affiliated with national eating disorder organizations.
Approaching the athlete’s coach collaboratively can reduce defensiveness, facilitate problem-solving, and build a foundation for supporting someone with an eating disorder effectively.
Effective Language: What to Say and What to Avoid
| Do Say | Don’t Say | Why It Matters |
| “I’ve observed that [athlete] seems stressed about food and body image lately.” | “[Athlete] is just being dramatic about their weight.” | Validates the athlete’s feelings without minimizing them. |
| “It might be helpful to involve a nutritionist or counselor who understands athletic eating disorders.” | “They should just eat more and stop being picky.” | Encourages professional support instead of oversimplifying a complex issue. |
| “My main concern is their health and performance in the long run.” | “If they don’t shape up, they can’t play.” | Focuses on well-being rather than punishment. |
| “Can we work together to support [athlete] during this time?” | “You must control what they eat.” | Promotes teamwork instead of blame. |
| “I’m here to support both you and [athlete] in finding solutions.” | “Eating disorders are just excuses for laziness.” | Builds trust and reduces stigma. |
Language plays a crucial role in how coaches and athletic trainers perceive and respond to concerns about eating disorders and disordered eating among athletes. Using affirming and supportive language can empower coaches to act constructively, while poor word choices can create barriers to help. Below is a comparison table highlighting recommended talking points versus phrases to avoid.
Overcoming Challenges When Discussing an Athlete’s Eating Disorder
Discussing eating disorders and disordered eating patterns with coaches and athletic trainers may face challenges such as denial, stigma, misinformation, or lack of familiarity with symptoms of eating disorders and risk factors. To navigate these obstacles:
- Be patient and give coaches time and space to process the information, recognizing that acceptance is part of the recovery process.
- Provide educational materials from trusted healthcare organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the national eating disorder organizations, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that clarify the nature of eating disorders and disordered eating among athletes.
- Maintain confidentiality and reassure coaches that sensitive information about the athlete will be handled with respect and discretion to build trust.
- Encourage open dialogue and offer assistance connecting coaches with healthcare professionals, dietitians, or support groups specializing in eating disorders and body image issues in athletic populations.
Persistence, empathy, and affirmation can help create an environment where coaches and trainers feel equipped and motivated to support athletes at elevated risk or those actively facing eating problems.
Available Resources to Support the Coach and Athlete
Coaches and athletic trainers seeking to better understand and support athletes with eating disorders and disordered eating in athletics can consult numerous trusted resources. These organizations provide research-based information on symptoms, treatment options, and strategies to prevent eating disorders and support recovery:
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Eating Disorders
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Eating Disorders in Athletes
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Eating Disorders
These resources assist in providing guidance on recognizing disordered eating, making appropriate referrals, and supporting someone with an eating disorder through the recovery process in a sports environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if an adult athlete has an eating disorder?
Signs include significant weight fluctuations, obsessive eating habits, excessive exercise, withdrawal from social eating situations, and mood changes related to body image. Professional evaluation is necessary for diagnosis.
2. Should I talk directly to the athlete or start with their coach?
It depends on your relationship and the athlete’s readiness. When the athlete is unwilling to discuss concerns, talking to the coach can ensure the athlete receives support.
3. How can I keep the conversation confidential?
Choose a private setting, avoid discussing the athlete with unrelated parties, and assure the coach that information shared is sensitive and will be handled discreetly.
4. What if the coach dismisses my concerns?
Provide educational materials from reputable sources and express your genuine concern for the athlete’s health. Persistence and patience may help change perspectives.
5. Can eating disorders affect athletic performance?
Yes. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can impair strength, endurance, concentration, and recovery, negatively impacting athletic outcomes.
6. What role does body image pressure play in disordered eating among athletes?
Body image concerns can drive unhealthy behaviors as athletes feel pressured to conform to weight or appearance standards related to their sport.
7. How can trainers support athletes with eating disorders?
Trainers can promote a healthy training environment, watch for warning signs, coordinate with healthcare providers, and encourage open communication to support recovery.
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Contact Eating Disorder Solutions (EDS)
If you suspect an athlete is struggling with an eating disorder, professional help is essential. Eating Disorder Solutions (EDS) specializes in comprehensive treatment tailored for adults navigating disordered eating within the athletic context. We offer compassionate care to support sustainable recovery.
Contact EDS today at Eating Disorder Solutions for guidance and treatment options.
References
- Mancine RP, Gusfa DW, Moshrefi A, Kennedy SF. Prevalence of disordered eating in athletes categorized by emphasis on leanness and activity type: a systematic review. J Eat Disord. 2020;8:47. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-020-00323-2
- Crone C, Fochtmann LJ, Attia E, et al. The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2023;180(2):167-171. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.23180001
- Sherman RT, Thompson RA, DeHass D, Wilfert M. NCAA coaches survey: the role of the coach in identifying and managing athletes with disordered eating. Eat Disord. 2005;13(5):447-466. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640260500296707
Support and Crisis Resources
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, support is available:
If you or someone you love is struggling, support is available. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a free, confidential service available 24/7.
