My name is Carolyn Plateau and I’m a PhD Research Student at Loughborough University, working within the Centre for Research into Eating Disorders. My research is focused on improving our understanding of eating disorders in sport. The current study is aiming to recruit athletes with current or previous clinical or subclinical eating problems, to better understand their experiences and in particular the coach-athlete interaction when eating issues are present.

This study has been granted ethical approval from Loughborough University Research Ethics Committee and is supervised by Professor Caroline Meyer and Professor Jon Arcelus. Loughborough University, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and On Camp With Kelly are supporting this research.

Who can take part?
We are recruiting athletes who are currently receiving or who have previously received treatment for an eating disorder to take part in this interview study. Athletes over 18, who are currently (or were previously) coached for and are competitive in any sport are eligible to take part in this study.

What will happen if you take part?
Participants will complete a short questionnaire about their eating and exercise behaviour. They will then be invited to attend an interview lasting approximately 45 minutes. This can be conducted over the telephone. All information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential with all identifying personal details removed.

Why are we doing this research?
This research hopes to improve our understanding of athlete experiences of eating disorders. The findings will be used to inform future eating disorder education programmes for athletes and their coaches.

What should you do if you want to take part in this study?
Please get in touch with Carolyn Plateau c.r.plateau@lboro.ac.uk if you would like further information on taking part in this study.

For more information on Eating Disorders in Sport please visit: www.eatingdisordersinsport.com

Many thanks for your help!
Carolyn Plateau