When to use this
Before anyone on staff comments on an athlete's body, and any time weight enters a coaching conversation.
- An athlete, parent, or assistant coach is pushing for weigh-ins or a target weight.
- An athlete's performance is being explained by their body instead of their training and fueling.
- You need language to redirect a weight conversation toward readiness markers.
Evidence sources
These references support the handout’s general education. Individual medical, supplement, laboratory, or injury questions should be handled by the appropriate qualified clinician.
- Melin AK, Heikura IA, Tenforde A, Mountjoy M.(2019) Energy availability in athletics: Health, performance, and physique.
- Mountjoy M, Sundgot-Borgen JK, Burke LM, et al. (2023) IOC 2023 consensus statement on REDs. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57:1073-1098.
Where to go next
