Can You Spot the Warning Signs? Disordered Eating & Body Dysmorphia
Learn what to say (and NOT to say) if you're a nutrition or fitness coach supporting clients with body image struggles and disordered eating concerns.
Happy 2-Tips Tuesday!
Here are two ideas to consider this week.
By Jennifer Broxterman, RD
1. How Would You Handle Body Dysmorphia & Disordered Eating as a Coach?
Last month, I got an email from one of my PRO$PER Nutrition Certification grads who was navigating a tough situation with her client. Here’s a snippet from her message:
Hi Jen, I'm really enjoying the course!
I have a client who is chasing fat loss for aesthetics. He’s super active—CrossFit, lifting, mountain biking, hiking, and a physically demanding job with occasional 24-hour shifts. When we started, he definitely wasn’t eating enough and didn’t take any rest days.
We’ve increased his calories, and he’s learning to take actual rest days. He’s finally starting to put on more muscle and is getting stronger, but he’s still fixated on carrying more fat in his lower body than he wants.
As I talked to him yesterday, I grew concerned he might be crossing into obsessiveness or body dysmorphia. Any advice on how to approach this?
I sent her a private response, but I realized this is a conversation many coaches might face. So, I created a YouTube video and resource guide covering what to say (and what NOT to say) when dealing with disordered eating and body image issues, warning signs to look out for, and how to best support a client in this situation. My dog Asha even makes an appearance and tries to steal the show. 🐾
Watch the full video here: How To Help Someone Struggling With Disordered Eating
2. Eating Disorder Recovery & Support
If you have clients who might be struggling with disordered eating or body image issues, these resources are a great starting point:
1. Eating Disorder Warning Signs
A helpful read for recognizing red flags in nutrition clients.
2. How to Talk to Someone About an Eating Disorder
Advice for how to start the conversation with someone you’re worried about.
3. More Help & ED Recovery Resources:
a. NEDIC: National Eating Disorders Information Centre (Canada)
b. NEDA: National Eating Disorders Association (United States)
c. National Eating Disorders Collaboration: Australia
d. Butterfly Foundation for Eating Disorders: Australia
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In Case You Missed Last Week...
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Jen Broxterman
Registered Dietitian
Prosper Nutrition Coaching
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Jennifer Broxterman, MSc, RD
REGISTERED DIETITIAN & SPORTS NUTRITIONIST
• Award-winning Foods & Nutrition University Professor
• Successful entrepreneur of owner of NutritionRx
• 16 year CrossFit affiliate owner with my husband
• Founder of Prosper Nutrition Coaching & lead nutrition coach
