Athletic trainers stress safe weight loss methods
By Chelsea Janes, USA TODAY
The National Athletic Trainers’ Association issued a statement Monday of recommendations for coaches, players, and athletic trainers regarding safe weight loss and maintenance practices for athletes. The group hopes its recommendations will help reduce a disturbing prevalence of eating disorders and unsafe weight-maintenance habits that affect up to 62% of athletes.
NATA’s statement emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded diet to an athlete’s performance and weight maintenance, the dangers of unsafe practices to long-term health, and the need for including medical professionals when deciding on a safe weight.
Former LSU gymnast Ashleigh Clare-Kearney addressed NATA members at their annual convention Monday in New Orleans. Clare-Kearney, one of the most decorated gymnasts in LSU women’s gymnastics history, was the physical and emotional exception in the gymnastics world during her career. At 5-foot-5 and 150 pounds, the two-time NCAA champion outsized most of her fellow gymnasts who she says are traditionally around five feet, 100 pounds.
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