Types of Body Negativity in Sports: Negativity From Coaches 
⋇TRIGGER WARNING: EATING DISORDERS, MENTION OF "FAT TALKS," BODY IMAGE ISSUES
This week, we will talk about Types of Body Negativity in Sports: Negativity From Coaches.
Coaches obviously have a lot of impact on athletes, whether that be positive or negative. Many athletes listen to their coaches and take in what they say to try and perform to the best of their ability. One of the most detrimental practices of a coach on their athletes is "fat talks".
So, what are "fat talks"? "Fat talks" are speeches or meetings from coaches that strongly encourage weight loss for the sports aesthetic, enhanced performance, etc. Though MOST fat talks are conducted solely for the purpose of increasing athlete performance, "fat talks" can promote body negativity, eating disorders, and other damaging means of weight loss.
Not only are "fat talks" physically damaging, but they are also mentally damaging, impacting mainly females. According to a study conducted in 2013 highlighted in an article of The Female and Male Athlete Triad Coalition, up to about 60% of collegiate female athletes encouraged to lose weight have developed eating disorders. This alarmingly high rate of eating disorders among female athletes not only is an indicator of fat-shaming within sports, but it also highlights the obvious: that athletes are susceptible to body-shaming from coaches. To state the obvious: disordered eating will not increase athlete performance, it will merely lower it as well as athlete morale. Though such negativity from coaches can be seen in almost any sport and is relatively easy to identify, it may be difficult to fix it. As an athlete, it is understandably difficult to stand up to your coach and express your feelings of discomfort. If that is the case, the next best thing to do is to stand up for yourself in different ways: those include telling another trusted adult or speaking to your teammates. They may be able to help you stand up to your coach and fix the issue.
Coaches must be careful of what they encourage their athletes to do to achieve optimal results. Encouraging weight loss may lead to eating disorders, body negativity, and body image issues. Instead, coaches should recommend licensed dietitians and sports nutrition experts to achieve healthy weight loss goals.
Bottom line: coaches MUST prioritize their athletes' health over their performance. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel as though your coach is putting your performance before your health, speak up! Your health comes before all.
Sources + Further Reading: 1. https://www.femaleandmaleathletetriad.org/body_shaming_fat_talks/2. Google Images
Not only are "fat talks" physically damaging, but they are also mentally damaging, impacting
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