Understanding Body Image and Eating Disorders in Sport
Audience: Dance teachers, coaches and supporting staff
Session Length: 1.5 – 2hrs
Group size: 30 maximum
This introductory session provides an overview of how body and eating issue can develop, the importance of a healthy body image and the signs and symptoms of eating disorders.
It explores why those in competitive sport or sports where there is a strong focus on appearance, diet and weight requirements are at higher risk. It provides advice on early intervention, identifies the particular barriers to help-seeking in young athletes and explains how to support recovery. The session closes with the basic principles of a positive body image club/team culture and how sporting professionals can model appropriate language and behaviours.
Key themes
- The spectrum of behaviours from healthy to disordered and clinical diagnosis
- Recognising eating disorders as serious mental illnesses and addressing commonly held beliefs
- The importance of following training and nutrition regimes that support health, as well as performance
- Types of eating disorders and their impacts
- Knowledge of risk and protective factors and why athletes are at a higher risk
- Warning signs what to do if you are concerned
- Supporting recovery and assisting friends and peers
- Creating a positive body image culture and the positive role modelling.
Please note content is not aimed at clinicians and does not provide a case management approach for young athletes with eating disorders.
