Role of the Athletic Trainer in Addressing Eating Disorders in the Collegiate Setting

Abstract:
Approximately one-fourth of female college student-athletes and one-fifth of male college student-athletes report at least subclinical eating disorder symptoms. Although most athletic trainers will encounter signs of problematic eating or energy intake, only 25% of athletic trainers felt confident in eating disorder identification. Moreover, a recent survey of head athletic trainers found only 32.89% heard of RED-S, which is a vital component of eating disorder identification. Athletic trainers would benefit from learning about factors increasing risk for mental health difficulties in collegiate athletes, so they can effectively address these concerns in this population.

Objectives:

• Participants will be able to learn risk factors for eating disorders in college student-athletes., 
• Participants will be able to identify components of the Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and how this relates to eating disorder risk., 
• Participants will be able to implement symptom assessment congruent with best practice mental health guidelines., 
• Participants will be able to illustrate the role of the athletic trainer in the referral process and interprofessional management of eating disorders.

Level:
Advanced

Domains:
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Domain 3: Critical Incident Management

CEUs:
1.25 Category A

Keywords: eating disorder, mental health, risk factors, referral, Female Athlete Triad, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, RED-S

On-Demand (Enhanced Access) Course Expiration:
Courses registered for after February 5, 2025, must be completed by December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
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