Nutrition beliefs, attitudes, and resource use of high school wrestling coaches

Beliefs, attitudes, and nutrition resource use among high school wrestling coaches were measured for weight loss, weight class, dehydration, training diet, and eating disorders. Most coaches (82%) considered themselves very knowledgeable about wrestling but less informed about sport nutrition, weight loss, and vitamin supplements. They used a variety of nutrition resources, but only 36% had attended nutrition workshops. Almost all coaches were interested in learning more about specific nutrition topics. More experienced coaches attended nutrition workshops and felt more informed about weight loss and sport nutrition. The mean percentage of correct responses to questions about weight loss was 64%, training diets 59%, dehydration 57%, body composition 52%, and eating disorders 80%; the mean score for healthy attitudes about weight loss was 69%, training diets 34%, dehydration 29%, body composition 70%, and eating disorders 69%. These results can be used to develop training seminars and educational materials to promote greater knowledge and healthy attitudes among wrestling coaches.