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NEDA TOOLKIT for Coaches and Trainers Factors that put athletes at risk for eating disorders Listed below are recognized risk factors to be watchful for in the athletic environment: Personal factors that may create risk for an athlete Specific sports that can create risk for developing an eating disorder • Inaccurate belief that lower body weight will improve performance. In fact, under-eating can lead the athlete to lose too much muscle and bone tissue, resulting in impaired performance. • Imbalance between energy input and output resulting in weight loss. This is especially a risk for athletes who burn high levels of energy in their sport, such as distance runners. • Athletes with perfectionism, unreasonably high standards for themselves, a history of depression or anxiety, and/or a family history of eating disorders. • The risk of disordered eating increases when a coach employs a “win at all costs” approach rather than emphasizing skill development. • Performance anxiety and fear of failure. Athletes who feel they are not performing at their peak capability may turn to altering their body compositions to bridge the gap. If no improvement in performance results, they may believe they didn’t lose enough weight or body fat and they may step up their efforts even more. • Social influences, including family and peer/ teammate pressure about athletic ability and performance. • Inadequate intake relative to energy output. Especially in growing teen and young adult athletes, energy needs can be very high, which requires planning on the part of the coach, the athlete, and his/her family to make sure energy needs are met. • Gymnastics, swimming, diving, rowing, body­ building and wrestling, because athletes must “make weight” or maintain a certain body size to stay competitive. • Aesthetic or endurance sports such as gymnastics, figure skating, dance, swimming, diving, cross- country or track and field, because they focus on appearance and on the individual rather than on the entire team. • Multiple team or sport participation without adequate recovery time and/or fueling opportunities. • Eating disorders can develop in any genetically predisposed person playing any sport, especially when they go through periods of negative energy balance (inadequate fueling for activity). Page  | 23