A Disordered Eating Response Team's Effect on Nutrition Practices in College Athletes

The disordered eating response team developed a protocol for assessment and intervention for athletes who are identified as at risk for disordered eating. Team members included the team physician, athletic trainers, a dietitian with knowledge of sports nutrition, and a psychologist. Team members also developed education programs for coaches and athletic trainers, athletes, and dining services personnel regarding eating to support health and athletic performance. During the first year of the program, 12 athletes were referred to the disordered eating program. Evaluations from the education programs indicated that they were well received by all participants. Information considered to be most useful by the athletes included: high-carbohydrate vs high-fat foods (98%), timing of food intake (88%), and fluid needs (68%). Topics about which the athletes requested more information included: increasing lean body mass (70%) and foods to eat while traveling (55%). In response to the program(s), the athletes reported increasing intake of carbohydrate foods (100%), decreasing intake of caffeine-containing beverages (68%), and increasing dietary intake of iron and calcium (78% females). Our programs have improved athletes' knowledge of nutrition to support health and performance and have provided intervention for athletes at risk for disordered eating.