Episode 142: What to do when a gymnastics coach makes a comment about your gymnast’s weight

Hopefully this is never something you encounter as a gymnastics parent. But, what do you when a gymnastics coach makes a comment about your gymnast’s weight to you? Or worse, directly to them?

But, it’s 2025 and we’re STILL having issues with coaches making inappropriate comments about gymnast’s weight, body, etc. And while it might be coming from a place of “well-intentioned advice”, it’s ALWAYS inappropriate to tell a gymnast she needs to lose weight.

There are some INCREDIBLE coaches out there who never say a thing and truly understand that the journey through adolescence for the female body is a wild ride. They know how to coach athletes through the growth spurts, body change, etc. They understand that every gymnast needs to go from point A to point B. And that a 16 year old should not look like they did when they were 10, 11, 12 etc.

And yet, in the minority, we have coaches who I want to believe mean well. But, they are misguided in their thoughts + beliefs around weight gain, body change, and the gymnast body. They don’t realize that instead of helping, that when that gymnastics coach makes a comment about your gymnast’s weight, it’s potential to cause harm cancels out everything else.

Today’s episode should serve as a guide on how to navigate these tough conversations in a way that helps reduce harm to your gymnast. 

It only takes one comment to spark a lifelong eating disorder, so this is something we have to take very seriously to protect our gymnasts. 

Listen in to hear more about: 

• How to look at the objective data if a coach makes a comment about weight
• What other factors could be affecting performance
• When you should seek out for nutrition support from a Pediatric & Adolescent Registered Dietitian Sports Nutritionist 

Links & Resources    

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 04: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport and Gymnastics
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com