WIceFIT: Coaches’ nutrition and body composition knowledge and the coach-athlete relationship – the effects on athletes’ body image, eating behaviour, and well-being
Coaches have a great responsibility for the development of their athletes. Sufficient knowledge and skills in nutrition and body composition are important for coaches so that they can support their athletes’ development also from these perspectives in their coaching practice. The aim of the WIceFIT project is to examine sports coaches’ knowledge of nutrition and body composition, as well as their impact on athletes’ body image, eating behavior, and well-being.
Table of contents
Project duration
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Core fields of research
Physical activity, health and wellbeing
Research areas
Physical activity, wellbeing and behaviour change across the life-span
Faculty
Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences
Funding
Research Council of Finland
Project description
The WIceFIT study investigates how coaches’ knowledge and communication regarding nutrition and body composition influence athletes’ eating behaviors and well-being. In addition, it examines how coaches’ own body image and relationship with food affect their coaching practices. The study includes both male and female coaches from aesthetic or weight-sensitive sports (e.g., figure skating) and from less weight-sensitive sports (e.g., ice hockey). The goal is to understand how coaches can support athletes’ positive body image and healthy relationship with food, thereby promoting healthier training days and overall well-being in sports.
