Athletes with Eating Disorders: Unique Nutrition Assessment and Treatment Parameters

The longer clinicians are in practice, the more complicated challenges around nutrition and exercise will become. It is well accepted that healthy and consistent movement is key to a healthy weight management approach, but overexercise and under-fueling are well-documented behavioral phenomena in many eating disorders. This session will be co-led by a seasoned sport dietitian and a sport psychologist who will present up-to-date research and therapeutic approaches for working with athletes who are struggling to improve their health, nutrition and sport status due to the complexities of an eating disorder. Speakers will discuss resources that can be used by RDNs, coaches and exercise professionals. Research on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and mindful movement approaches with athletes diagnosed with eating disorder, sport nutrition principles for intuitive fueling, and current science on calculating athletic energy needs will be reviewed. Speakers will present case studies which highlight male, female and special athletic populations, and address exercise issues and energy balance situations. Presenters will provide interactive communication tips, guidelines on return to exercise and example "sport nutrition therapy" approaches for athletes. Lastly, steps for determining appropriate levels of care and finding the best treatment team resources for this unique population will be presented.

Planned with the Academy's Committee for Lifelong Learning

CPE Level: Level 3 (advanced knowledge/expertise)
CPEU: 1

Performance Indicators

• 10.2.4 Assesses client/patient physical activity levels to determine nutrition requirements.
• 9.3.1 Critically reviews and selects materials from credible sources to support the development of diet and nutrition education resources.
• 8.3.4 Assesses clients' emotions toward nutrition-related statements or phenomenon, body image/preoccupation with food and weight and readiness to change nutrition-related behaviors.

Learning Objectives

• Identify specific treatment targets and interventions to support and facilitate an athlete's eating disorder treatment.
• Describe the latest science behind determining athletic nutrition needs, assessing energy balance and how to establish intuitive fueling principles.
• Conduct client sessions utilizing unique resources in assisting this population including information on RED-s and orthorexia.

Moderator

• Julie Schwartz, MS, RDN, CSOWM, LD, ACSM-EP, NBC-HWC

Speakers

• Page G. Love, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
• Ron A. Thompson, PhD, HSPP, FAED, CEDS