Research suggests that female athletes, in particular, experience “sport-environment” pressures such as: weight, performance, and body image demands from their coaches, teammates, and judges. These influences in tandem with society’s portrayal of the thin ideal are thought to considerably increase the risk of developing disordered eating problems in this population. Although numerous studies have been conducted over the past decade on the prevalence of eating disorders and pathogenic weight control behaviors among female athletes, few have examined in detail the weight pressures that exist within the sport environment, such as whether or not (and how often) athletes are weighed by their coaches, and how athletes respond to those pressures in terms of weight management practices. In the proposed study, we will examine the weigh-in environment, weight satisfaction, weight management practices, menstrual health, and reported source of nutritional guidance. The sample includes 414 NCAA Division I female collegiate swimmers/divers and gymnasts drawn from 26 universities across the U.S. Participants anonymously completed a series of questionnaires as part of a larger study on student-athlete health and well-being. This study found that 41% of athletes were weighed, and most often by an athletic trainer in private. Despite most weigh-ins were reportedly conducted in a positive manner, the majority of the athletes who were weighed (75%) reported using at least one strategy to manage their weight prior to weigh-ins (e.g. restrict food, increase exercise). Athletes desire to lose weight, caloric intake, and menstrual cycles were not related to whether athletes were or were not weighed. The majority of athletes received qualified nutritional guidance about how to healthfully manage their weight. Overall, weighing is occurring in a more positive manner than expected; however, athletes are continuing to report using unhealthy weight management strategies at a high rate. It seems important for athletic departments to set policies regarding weighing and to continue to provide support and education to coaching and support staff regarding eating disorder identification, referral, and treatment.

The purpose of this project is to review literature on creatine monohydrate (simply known as creatine/Cr) supplementation and its effects on exercise, human performance, and health. Included in this project is basic information relating to the biochemical and physiological effects of Cr, including possible side effects.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the difference between athletes and non-athletes by addressing prevalence of disordered eating and eating disorders, the risk factors associated with the disease(s), and health concerns for those suffering with disordered eating.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / It is well documented that a variety of sports coaches lack nutrition knowledge. However, few studies explore their knowledge of appropriate weight loss methods, macronutrient intake, or disordered eating. Unfortunately, both college and high school coaches disseminate inaccurate nutrition and weight loss counsel to their respective athletes who are just as unknowledgeable. Further, there is little research, which only focuses on coaches of a specific sport (e.g. tennis). Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to assess high school tennis coaches' knowledge of macronutrients and disordered eating (e.g. symptoms and prevention). Other purposes included identifying confidence in knowledge and any differences between the participating coaches' knowledge and demographic variables. To address these purposes, the 27-question Nutrition and Eating Disorders in Tennis ("NET") Survey was created (and validated). The study design involved a one-time, voluntary assessment of the Indiana coaches' demographic variables, knowledge, sources of knowledge, and level of confidence (e.g. Not At All or Very Confident). Overall, the results revealed that the coaches lacked knowledge. The average score was 70.6%, which was below the criterion for adequate knowledge. Furthermore, the coaches lacked adequate knowledge in three of the five knowledge domains: Treatment and Prevention of Disordered Eating (63.6% ± 22.9%), Disordered Eating Signs and Symptoms (60.0% ± 21.7%), and Macronutrients (57.0% ± 22.4%). The latter was further substantiated through the responses to scenario questions (Part 3). Specifically, the tennis coaches demonstrated a significant knowledge deficiency of carbohydrates, energy needs, and appropriate scope of practice. There was no significant difference between coaches' education level, gender, or type and knowledge. However, there was in experience; the more years coached, the lower the scores. Moreover, there was a trend of overconfidence in the most missed questions. This dissertation's data can provide basis for coaches' educational programs.