Here is the first of a few posts I hope to make in this thread... hope it helps, and you don't mind...

INFORMATION FOR COACHES
Coaches of elite athletes can help prevent the onset of eating disorders. by educating and breaking down athletes' misconceptions about eating. Research (Garner & Rosen, 1991; Petrie & Stoever, 1993; Rhea, 1992) has shown that female athletes are especially vulnerable to eating disorders, pathogenic weight behaviors, and food as tools to control their athletic performance, as well as other aspects of life. Many athletes believe that losing weight will enhance their performance level (Rosen, McKeag, Hough, & Curley, 1986.) Thus coaches could convey information about the effects of eating disorders targeted at their athletes, although coaches should not be expected to assume full responsibility for their athletes.

Many athletes do not understand the difference between body fat and body weight. Some athletes equate dietary fat with body fat and cut fat out of their diet completely in an attempt to reduce their body fat. They may lose weight as a result of lost body water and body tissue, without reducing their actual body fat (Rhea, Jambor, Wiginton, 1996). It is common for athletes to diet in an attempt to increase performance (Clark, Nelson, & Evans, 1988; Rosen et al., 1986; Taub & Blinde, 1992), and some athletes practice pathogenic weight control techniques, such as using laxatives, diuretic, diet pills, and self-induced vomiting. Coaches can discourage this behavior by focusing on the negative effects of dieting and pathogenic weight techniques.

Coaches should have knowledge of basic information about diet and nutrition, as well as an understanding of the causes and consequences of eating disorders in female athletes. Some warning signs of an eating disorder include: constant patterns of dieting, perfectionist qualities, high dissatisfaction with body shape, low self-esteem, and use of pathogenic weight techniques. Coaches should also be aware that excessive weight loss causes amenorrhea (abnormal absence of menstruation) and extremely low body fat level and they should be aware that their comments may have an effect on their athletes. Derogatory statements and misguided advice are potentially harmful to athletes. Many athletes will go to extreme measures to avoid being considered "too fat" (Rosen & Hough, 1988; Sundgot-Borgen, 1994.) Strategies for risk reduction (Rhea, Jambor, Wiginton, 1996):

1. De-emphasize body weight. Body fat percentage and proper nutrition are much more relevant to athletic performance than body weight. Coaches should not equate weight with performance simply because it is easy to measure.
2. Eliminate group weigh-ins. Many drill team and cheerleader coaches insist on weigh-ins, and some call out each athlete's weight in front of the entire team. One study showed that eating disorders were more prevalent among drill team members than any other group of athletes (Rhea, 1992), and dancers and gymnasts are another high-risk group (Borgen & Corbin, 1987; Zucker, 1985).
3. Discourage pathogenic weight techniques. Sometimes pathogenic weight techniques are accepted, condoned, and even valued by athletes as part of athletics (Taub & Blinde, 1992; Davis & Cowles, 1989; Rosen et al., 1986). Coaches need to define some healthy guidelines for athletes to follow. They must also devalue the use of pathogenic weight techniques and warn athletes of the consequences of such practices.
4. Recognize individual differences. Every individual is different and needs to be treated accordingly. Genetic distinctions and individual limitations need to be considered.
Guidelines for appropriate weight loss (Rhea, Jambor, Wiginton, 1996):

1. A health care professional experienced in working with eating disorders should assess the athlete