Should a coach tell an athlete to lose weight?

Coaches are influential role models for athletes and can impact how athletes perceive and feel in and about their bodies.

Unfortunately, as was recently courageously shared by @skyemoench, it's not uncommon for coaches to focus on appearance over body functionality. Body weight is a sensitive and personal issue yet far too many coaches share a belief that a lower body weight will improve performance.

If you are a coach, you have a responsibility to take care of your athlete - physically, emotionally and mentally.

Every athlete has his/her own optimal body composition where the body functions the best and this body is achieved through consistent training, nutritious eating and proper fueling and hydration.

Acknowledge an athlete’s strengths beyond a look, for an athlete is a human - not an object. Making remarks about body composition and performance (even if well-intentioned) can trigger or exacerbate disordered eating thoughts and behaviors.

Having a diverse representation of athlete bodies is important in every sport.

In today’s fad-diet, body image obsessed society, it can be difficult for athletes to keep a healthy perspective on body image. As a coach, use your authority. Help your athlete understand the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with food and the body. Protect the physical and psychological well-being of your athletes by not associating weight to performance.

For further reading: 

• Why I never tell my athletes to lose weight
• Something needs to change - weight loss in sport
• Ahh, I need to lose weight
  
• For the coaches, when an athletes wants to lose weight
• Trying to reach your race weight
• Race weight