Supporting an Athlete
“On a really basic level, I wish that coaches, trainers, PTs, and others who work with athletes on a nearly daily basis had a better understanding of warning signs that an athlete might be dealing with something under the surface. In my experience, those warning signs often go overlooked, and thus an athlete is more likely to have their mental health go unaddressed until they’re at a breaking point. By learning what to keep an eye out for, staff can play an integral role in catching issues of body image or deteriorating mental health early, meaning the athlete can get the help that they need in a timely manner and can get back to doing what they love that much sooner.”
– Alice Merryweather, Former Olympic Alpine Skier & Athlete EDGE® at EDCare Ambassador
Short Answer: Provide emotional support, avoid body comments, and connect athletes with trained professionals for care.
Coaches, trainers, and teammates can play a powerful role in recognizing and responding to eating disorders. Start by creating an environment where athletes feel safe to speak up. Avoid comments about body shape, weight, or eating habits. Instead, check in regularly, model periodization and rest, and praise effort over appearance.
If an athlete seems distressed, approach them privately, express concern, and refer them to professionals. Reassure them that their health matters more than their performance. According to research, supportive adults are often the first line of defense in identifying and referring athletes who need care.
Short Answer: Early warning signs that indicate an athlete may need professional help include preoccupation with food, training outside of what is prescribed, weight changes, fatigue, injury, isolation, or anxiety around meals and body image.
Signs of an eating disorder can be physical, emotional, or behavioral. You may notice weight changes, constant fatigue, longer recovery periods, repeated injuries, or skipped meals. Emotional signs include mood swings, anxiety around food, perfectionism, or sudden withdrawal from social settings.
Behaviorally, athletes may train excessively, avoid team meals and team building functions, or obsess over calories and appearance. If you see these signs, do not ignore them. Encourage the athlete to talk to a healthcare provider. Early action is key to preventing serious consequences, including long-term health damage.
Short Answer: Focus on function, strength, and wellness. Provide education and eliminate appearance-based praise or criticism.
Athletic programs can shift the focus from body size and performance to health and overall well-being. This means training staff to use respectful, non-appearance-focused language, providing education about eating disorders and body image, and removing practices like weigh-ins or public comparisons.
Programs should consider inviting speakers, offering wellness workshops, and sharing athlete stories that highlight strength, skill, and the joy of sport. They should encourage athletes to reconnect with what they love about their sport, whether it is the friendships, the movement, or the sense of personal growth, rather than focusing on outcomes, perfection, or performance. Programs can also create opportunities for fun and creativity in training and celebrate progress, effort, and passion over outcomes.
Promote diverse body types and reject unhealthy stereotypes about what an athlete “should” look like. By putting joy back into sport and creating a sense of purpose beyond winning or appearance, athletes are more likely to stay mentally and physically healthy. Creating an environment where athletes feel valued for who they are, not just what they achieve, can prevent body image issues and support long-term well-being.
Short Answer: Families can support athletes in recovery by being consistent, patient, and involved. Encourage treatment, avoid body talk, and support rest and proper nutrition.
Family support can be a game-changer in an athlete’s recovery. When families lead with unconditional love and understanding, it helps create the emotional safety needed for healing. Avoid making comments about appearance, food choices, or athletic performance. Instead, focus on the person, not the sport. Remind them that their worth isn’t tied to wins, performance, or body shape.
Support balanced routines by encouraging consistent meals, adequate rest, and full participation in treatment. Creating a home environment where physical and emotional health are prioritized over training and competition sends a clear message that their well-being matters most.
It’s also important to stay engaged. Ask questions, listen openly and without judgment, and take time to learn about eating disorders. Educating yourself allows you to offer informed, compassionate support and helps reduce stigma and shame. Research shows that when families are actively involved in treatment, especially through family-based or team-supported approaches, outcomes are significantly improved. You don’t have to have all the answers, your consistent presence, encouragement, and belief in their recovery can make a lasting impact.
Short Answer: Educate early, screen regularly, reduce stigma, and train staff to spot concerns and refer to professionals.
Prevention starts with awareness. Train coaches, staff, and athletes to understand what eating disorders look like and why they are serious. Incorporate regular screenings and mental health check-ins into athletic programs. Athletic programs can reduce stigma by talking openly about appropriate nutrition, emotions, and body image.
Avoid harmful practices like implementing weight and diet expectations. Offer nutrition and mental health resources from licensed professionals who have training and experience working with athletes with eating disorders. Prevention and early intervention not only save lives but encourage long-term improvements in performance and well-being.
Downloadable Guides for Parents & Coaches
Additional Resources
What to Say Certification for Coaches by WithAll
The What to Say Coaches Certification is a brief, evidence-based training designed to help you protect athlete health and support performance. Learn what to say, what to avoid, and how to respond when concerns about body image, fueling, or eating disorders come up.
Offseason Recovery: Strengthening Athletes’ Return to Sport Through Eating Disorder Treatment
By: Athlete EDGE at EDCare Team
What if Parents of an Athlete with an Eating Disorder are in Denial?
By: Dr. Paula Quatromoni, Running in Silence
Fueling For Sport: A Coach's Guide
Created in partnership with Shannon Stockero, BS and Dr. Paula Quatromoni, DSc, RD at Boston University
References
Bratland-Sanda, S., & Sundgot-Borgen, J. (2013). Eating disorders in athletes: Overview of prevalence, risk factors and recommendations for prevention and treatment. European Journal of Sport Science, 13(5), 499–508. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2012.740504
Thompson, R. A., & Sherman, R. T. (2010). Eating disorders in sport. Routledge.
Le Grange, D., Lock, J., Accurso, E. C., Agras, W. S., & Bryson, S. W. (2014). Early weight gain predicts outcome in two treatments for adolescent anorexia nervosa. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(2), 124–129. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22221