NEDA TOOLKIT for Coaches and Trainers
Eating disorder signs and symptoms specific to
an athletic setting
As coaches and trainers, you are on the front lines of your athletes’ lives, and often the first to notice subtle changes
in mood, behavior and performance that may indicate an eating disorder. The following information will help you
more readily identify an athlete with an eating disorder and know what steps to take to address the problem.
It is important to identify disordered eating, excessive exercise or an eating disorder as soon as possible, as early
detection is one of the best predictors of full recovery. Including the athlete’s parent or guardian in this discussion
is recommended. The longer an eating disorder persists, the more difficult the recovery. Another reason for early
intervention is that if not addressed early on, disordered eating habits can become pervasive on a team.
Symptoms you may notice include
• Decreased concentration, energy, muscle
function, coordination, speed
• Increased fatigue and perceived exertion
• Longer recovery time needed after workouts,
games, races
• More frequent muscle strains, sprains, and/or
fractures • Slowed heart rate and low blood pressure
• Reduced body temperature and increased
sensitivity to cold—cold hands and feet
• Complaints of light-headedness and dizziness
• Gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea,
constipation, abdominal pain and fullness
• Poorer interaction with coaches/teammates
• Perfectionism
• Increased impatience, crankiness
• Increased isolation
• Difficulty with days off and tapering
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Avoidance of water or excessive water intake
Preoccupation with one’s own food
Preoccupation with other people’s food
Ritualistic eating and/or avoidance of certain
foods Excessive concern with body aesthetic
Decrease in performance, especially when
combined with other signs
Prolonged or additional training above and
beyond what is required for sport (e.g., extra
sit-ups and laps, extra workouts)
Athletes on the team reporting concern about
an individual
Athletes may also work very hard to hide their
struggles. Personality shifts may occur, ranging from
being more withdrawn and isolated to acting out
excessively. Page | 17