Coaches influence not only performance but also athletes' views on food and body composition. The coach-athlete relationship plays a key role in athlete well-being, including body image and eating habits. Supportive communication can promote healthy habits, while pressure to meet certain body ideals may cause harm. The WIceFIT research project explores how coaches' knowledge and communication about nutrition and body composition affect athletes' well-being. It also examines how coaches' own body image and food relationship influence their behavior. The study includes male and female participants from both aesthetic or weight-sensitive (such as figure skating) and less weight-sensitive (such as ice hockey) sports. The goal is to better understand how coaches can support athletes' positive body image and healthy relationship with food. This may help increase the number of healthy training days, reduce risks to mental and physical health, and promote long-term well-being in sports.

2025

2028